2,574-cr Wazirabad Water project gets nod after 12-year delay
The much-delayed Wazirabad Water Supply Improvement Project is set to take off with the Government’s nod for the Rs 2,574-crore Asian Development Bank (ADB)-assisted scheme. It was conceptualized in 2013. With the Department of Economic Affairs’ screening committee giving in-principle approval, the focus is on modernising the water network, improving efficiency and ensuring a more reliable supply for residents.
The project will cover the complete water supply chain- from the treatment plant and transmission network to distribution lines and household connections in the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant command area.
The main focus will be reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) caused by leakages, physical losses and unauthorised consumption.
The project, conceptualised in 2013, remained stuck for several years before being revived. With the latest approval, it is now moving towards implementation with a focus on modernising the water network, improving efficiency and ensuring a more reliable supply for residents. The project, funded with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), will cover the complete water supply chain- from the treatment plant and transmission network to distribution lines and household connections.
Under the project, old, damaged and undersized pipelines will be replaced, while new transmission and distribution lines will be laid wherever required. Existing networks will be interconnected to improve pressure, distribution and reliability.
The Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant, underground reservoirs, pumping infrastructure and distribution network will be upgraded. House service connections will be improved and regularised, while areas without formal water connections will be brought into the planned network as infrastructure is expanded, wherever technically feasible.
A major technology component will be eight interconnected Command Centres covering Delhi’s water supply system. The network will include Wazirabad and Chandrawal, along with Command Centres for the West, South-West, East, North-East, North-West and South Zones. The centres will be connected through a common digital platform, providing officials with a city-wide view of Delhi’s water network.
Using SCADA and digital monitoring, officials will be able to track water flow, pressure, reservoir levels, pumping stations and other critical infrastructure. Network issues can be identified faster, allowing field teams to respond and coordinate more effectively.
The Wazirabad Command Area covers a large and densely populated part of Delhi, including Burari, Model Town, Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, Jahangirpuri, Punjabi Bagh, Shakur Basti, Peeragarhi, Avantika, Pitampura and adjoining residential and institutional areas.
Informing this, Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said, “The objective is simple- more of the water we produce should reach the people it is meant for. We are strengthening the network from the treatment plant to the household so that Delhi gets a system that is efficient, accountable and dependable”.
“For the people of Delhi, water is a daily necessity. Our responsibility is to make sure that the infrastructure behind every tap is strong, modern and reliable. The Wazirabad project is a major step in that direction. We are not planning only for today; we are building a water system that can serve Delhi for decades”, he added.
“The eight Command Centres will make Delhi’s water network one connected system. Information from different parts of the city will be available together, helping us take quicker decisions and coordinate better. Technology must ultimately translate into better service for citizens,” the Minister said.
As the project moves towards implementation, the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) proposal for the ADB-assisted Wazirabad project has been placed before the Delhi Jal Board for award. The proposal is in favour of M/s NJS Engineers India Pvt. Ltd. (Lead) and NJS Co., Ltd., Japan (JV) at a quoted cost of Rs 43.77 crore. The PMC will provide professional technical and project-management support for implementation, supervision and coordination of the project.
Govt To Prepare First-Ever 30-Year Water Master Plan
New Delhi: After unveiling its ambitious Drainage Master Plan 2025 last year, the BJP Government in Delhi is now preparing a 30-year Water Master Plan for the city. This is the first time that such a plan is being prepared for the Capital. A proposal for preparation for the Detailed Project Report (DPR), bid process management and supervision for NRW Reduction across six water supply zones, has been placed before the DJB. The work is proposed to be awarded to M/s Haskoning India Consulting Pvt. Ltd. at a cost of `88.63 crore.
The consultant will prepare a comprehensive, integrated 30-year Water Master Plan for Delhi, besides DPR preparation, bid process management and supervision/PMC services for six water supply zones.
“Delhi cannot plan its water infrastructure one project at a time. We need a clear roadmap for the next 30 years, backed by professional planning and strong execution. The Master Plan will provide that direction, while projects like Wazirabad will translate the vision into work on the ground,” Singh said.
