Water rationalisation, pipeline replacement & recycling network among key initiatives to ensure equitable supply across Capital
Amid rising water demand and mounting pressure on limited resources, the Delhi Government on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious water management reform programme aimed at ensuring fair distribution of water, reducing wastage and modernising the city’s ageing infrastructure.
Announcing the initiatives, Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the government was undertaking one of the most comprehensive overhauls of Delhi’s water supply system in decades, with a focus on equitable access, conservation and long-term water security.
The move comes amid the Capital’s tussle with increased water stress during the summer season. Delhi currently requires nearly 1,250 million gallons per day (MGD) of water, while a prolonged dry spell in the Yamuna has reduced water production by around 100 MGD.
“People should understand that Delhi’s water resources are finite but the city’s population is growing rapidly. The answer is not only to bring more water to Delhi but also to manage every drop more efficiently. We are building a system that can serve Delhi not just today, but for decades to come,” said the minister.
A key component of the reform package is the proposed Water Rationalisation Project, which will assess population density, demand patterns and existing infrastructure to ensure more balanced distribution across the city. The minister said that every summer, water-related complaints were concentrated in 12 to 13 Assembly constituencies due to long-standing supply imbalances in those areas.
The government will also prioritise replacement of old pipelines. Of Delhi’s 16,634-km water distribution network, 5,500-km long connections are over 30 years old, leading to leakages and water losses.
“The work that should have been done 10 or 20 years ago is now being taken up on priority. Replacing old pipelines, reducing leakages, modernising distribution systems and strengthening water infrastructure are essential steps to make Delhi water secure,” he said.
The Delhi Jal Board is simultaneously working to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and exploring the conversion of the DSB Canal into a pipeline-based system to curb transmission losses. The government also plans to introduce a Dual Piping System, under which treated recycled water will be supplied separately for non-drinking purposes such as landscaping, construction and toilet flushing.
“Delhi cannot afford to flush drinking water down the toilet. Every day, large quantities of potable water are used for purposes that do not require drinking-quality water. By using highly treated recycled water for such activities, we can save millions of litres of freshwater daily. This is the future of urban water management and Delhi is moving decisively in that direction,” said minister Parvesh.
