Delhi: NDMC Set to Launch Pilot Project for 24×7 Water Supply Soon
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is set to launch the first phase of its 24×7 water supply project, aimed at providing round-the-clock filtered water to areas around Vinay Marg. The pilot project, costing ₹3 crore, will cover residential areas, government accommodations, offices, markets, slums, and bungalows along Vinay Marg.
NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Chahal announced the initiative, highlighting that it will utilize the existing water pipeline grid to deliver continuous filtered water. The project will also involve replacing old pipes to reduce leaks, adding new pipes for better water distribution, and installing additional pumps and accessories to ensure optimal flow.
Chahal emphasized that this project would serve as a model for modernizing NDMC’s entire water supply system. After thorough studies, including water balancing and hydraulic modeling, the project’s initial estimate of ₹1.80 crore has been revised to ₹3 crore.
While this is not the first attempt at 24×7 water supply in Delhi, past projects like the 2012 initiative in Navjeevan Vihar and Geetanjali Enclave have faced challenges, such as inadequate raw water, aging pipes, and pressure issues on higher floors. The Delhi government’s proposal to expand the project in 2021 also stalled.
Water expert and environmental activist Diwan Singh cautioned against excessive water demand, urging for better planning and conservation of resources. He expressed concerns that an unplanned increase in demand could lead to further water scarcity in Delhi.
Currently, NDMC’s water demand is estimated at 148 million litres per day (MLD), while raw water availability is 125 MLD. NDMC manages water supply independently, though it relies on the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for raw water. Chahal assured that there are sufficient resources for the first phase, and NDMC’s storage capacity is being expanded.
The NDMC region, with a permanent population of 230,000 and a floating population of 1.8 million, will see the construction of two new underground water storage units at Navyug School and Talkatora Cricket Ground. Additionally, NDMC is upgrading pipelines in key areas like Subramanium Bharti Marg and Pandara Park to ensure efficient water distribution.
The NDMC also plans to extend piped water supply to 32 JJ clusters under the ₹12.7 crore Jal Jeevan Mission project. The initiative, which will be funded under the AMRUT scheme, will provide piped water to slums that have previously relied on tankers. By next summer, these areas will have access to a continuous water supply.
