CM launches ₹2,158-cr. DJB projects to resolve old water, sewage issues

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a series of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) projects worth ₹2,158 crore to strengthen water supply and sewage treatment infrastructure across the Capital.

Ms. Gupta also announced the extension of the amnesty scheme for water bill payments to commercial consumers till August. Speaking at Ramlila Ground in Todapur, she said the projects would address long-pending water and sewer issues in several parts of the city, particularly in the Rajinder Nagar Assembly constituency.

Recalling the death of three Civil Services aspirants in the flooded basement of a coaching centre in the area in 2024, Ms. Gupta said such incidents should not be forgotten.

“We will not turn away from responsibility. Governance is not about enjoying power, it is about service,” she said. Of the total outlay, ₹1,258.41 crore has been earmarked for water supply improvement works in areas linked to the Chandrawal Water Treatment Plant. This includes Phase III works worth ₹990 crore covering areas such as Todapur, Rajinder Nagar, Narela, and Inderpuri, and Phase IV works worth ₹268.41 crore.

Slew of projects

Among the projects inaugurated were capacity enhancement of the Nilothi-1 Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and the Pappankalan Phase-I STP, together costing ₹598 crore. Foundation stones were also laid for new household sewer connections worth ₹158 crore in areas such as Begumpur, Wazirabad, Sant Nagar, and Ranhola.

Old pipelines in Haiderpur, Pitampura, and parts of north-west Delhi will also be replaced at a cost of ₹70.16 crore. A ₹14.71-crore project to enhance capacity at the Molarband STP was also announced.

Ms. Gupta said the combined works would significantly increase sewage treatment capacity and prevent untreated wastewater from flowing into the Yamuna. “Areas that have faced water and sewer issues for years will now get permanent solutions,” she said, adding that the projects would ensure regular and adequate drinking water supply while helping clean the river. “For the first time, a government is using public funds to fulfil the needs of residents. In nearly one year, we have worked 24×7, 365 days. We have not rested because people have high expectations from us,” she said.

Pipelines after 40 years

Targeting previous governments in Delhi, the CM said a government ruled for 15 years and another for 10 years, yet people continued to “struggle for basic needs like water”.

“After 40 years, water pipelines are finally being laid there,” she said, referring to Narela. “The funds are the same, the administration is the same, but now they are being used for the people.”

Ms. Gupta said the amnesty scheme has so far benefited over 3.52 lakh consumers. With its extension till August, the scheme will now offer 100% waiver of late payment surcharge for commercial and non-domestic consumers.