CM lays foundation stones for Rs 2,100 cr water, sewer project

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday laid the foundation stones for water and sewer projects worth over Rs 2,100 crore. The Chief Minister announced a major expansion in sewage treatment capacity and upgrades to the city's ageing supply network.

The projects, executed by the Delhi Jal Board, were inaugurated at Ramlila Maidan in Todapur, West Delhi. The Chief Minister said the works would provide long-term solutions to water shortage and sewer problems that have persisted for decades in several parts of the city.

She said the new projects would significantly increase sewage treatment capacity and help stop the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Yamuna.

“We do not just make announcements. We ensure projects are completed on time,” she said, directing officials to meet deadlines and maintain quality standards.

Among the key projects inaugurated was the expansion of the Nilothi - 1 Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) from 40 MGD to 60 MGD at a cost of Rs 373.21 crore. The capacity of the Pappankalan Phase - I STP was increased from 20 MGD to 30 MGD at a cost of Rs 225.28 crore.

Two major pipeline replacement projects in North-West Delhi were also inaugurated. The old pipeline at Haiderpur (WW-II) has been replaced at a cost of Rs 50.72 crore. Another pipeline at Haiderpur (WW-I), covering Pitampura and nearby areas, was replaced at a cost of Rs 19.44 crore.

In addition, foundation stones were laid for several new projects. These include water supply improvement works in the Chandrawal Water Treatment Plant area. Package 3 will cost Rs 990 crore, while Package 4 will cost Rs 268.41 crore.

New household sewer connections will be provided in Begumpur, Wazirabad, Ranhola and Sant Nagar. These projects are linked to Rohini STP, Coronation Pillar STP and Nilothi STP. The costs range from Rs 25.15 crore to Rs 58 crore. The capacity of the Molarband STP will also be enhanced by 0.67 MGD at a cost of Rs 14.71 crore.

The Chief Minister said clean drinking water and a modern sewer network are top priorities for her government. She said the projects would strengthen the water supply for lakhs of residents and improve sanitation across Delhi. “A strong water and sewer system is essential for a world-class capital,” she said.

She added that the government is working in mission mode to ensure that every household receives clean water and every locality has a modern sewer network.

Delhi Water Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh said the city is entering a new phase of development. He said the projects are aimed at making water and sewer services more efficient and aligned with public needs. “Our goal is to make water and sewer services fully modern and efficient,” he said.

The Chief Minister also announced relief for consumers under the Amnesty Scheme. The scheme, which waives penalties, interest and surcharges on pending water bills, has been extended till August. Commercial consumers have now been included.

According to officials, more than 3.52 lakh consumers have benefited so far. Relief of about Rs 1,400 crore has been provided, while the Delhi Jal Board collected Rs 484 crore in revenue.

The Government also announced a 100 per cent waiver of late payment surcharges for commercial and non-domestic consumers. Penalties of around Rs 74,293 crore accumulated over the years will be fully waived. This is expected to help the Delhi Jal Board generate nearly Rs 285.2 crore in revenue.

MP Bansuri Swaraj, MLA Umang Bajaj, senior officials and local residents were present at the event.