Delhi Jal Board Approves Rs 17,969.93 Crore Sewer Overhaul Plan

The Delhi Jal Board has approved a series of major measures aimed at improving Delhi’s sewerage and water-supply infrastructure. The key decision is in-principle approval of a 10-year, Rs 17,969.93 crore sewer maintenance plan based on the “One Zone, One Operator” model. The board has also approved a Rs 6,044.05 crore South Delhi water infrastructure project, new sewage treatment capacity and several regulatory measures.

Key Takeaways: Delhi Jal Board Water and Sewerage Projects

• Rs 17,969.93 crore 10-year sewer maintenance plan approved in principle.
• “One Zone, One Operator” model will assign end-to-end sewer responsibilities to operators.
• Rs 6,044.05 crore South Delhi water-supply infrastructure project approved.
• Thirteen new sewage treatment plants with a combined capacity of 328 MGD are part of the plan.
• Delhi Water and Sewer (Tariff and Metering) Regulations, 2026 approved.
• Twenty-five Water Emergency Centres will be rebuilt at a cost of Rs 65.49 crore.
• Rainwater Harvesting Policy 2026 has also been approved.

Rs 17,969.93 Crore Sewer Maintenance Plan

The Delhi Jal Board has given in-principle approval to a 10-year plan worth Rs 17,969.93 crore for comprehensive improvement of sewer maintenance in Delhi. Under the proposed “One Zone, One Operator” system, responsibility for sewer lines, manholes, pumping stations and complaint resolution will be assigned to individual operators. DD India reported that the city will be divided into six zones under the model. The system will move from reactive, complaint-based repairs to planned preventive maintenance. Geo-tagged inspections and real-time monitoring through a central command centre are planned, along with 100 per cent mechanical and robotic sewer cleaning.

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Delhi Jal Board currently maintains 11,212 kilometres of sewer lines, 6.68 lakh manholes and 145 pumping stations across 68 Assembly constituencies. Payments under the new model will be linked to performance, with the objective of faster complaint resolution and fewer sewer overflows.

Water Minister Parvesh Verma said residents should not have to determine which officer, division or contractor is responsible for a sewer problem. The system should identify the problem, assign responsibility for fixing it and track the work until completion.

Rs 6,044.05 Crore South Delhi Water Project

The board has also approved a Rs 6,044.05 crore project for comprehensive transformation of South Delhi’s water-supply infrastructure.

The project will cover 247 square kilometres, 13 UGR command areas, 12 Assembly constituencies and 2,44,381 domestic consumers. Smart meters, bulk-flow meters, chlorine and pressure sensors will be introduced for real-time monitoring, accurate metering and water auditing.

The project targets reliable and continuous water supply, zero contamination and reduction of non-revenue water to below 15 per cent. DD India reported that the proposed funding includes the Government of India’s Urban Challenge Fund, the Delhi government and loans.

13 New STPs With 328 MGD Capacity

To strengthen sewage treatment and support the rejuvenation of the Yamuna, the Delhi Jal Board has approved steps for 13 new sewage treatment plants with a combined capacity of 328 MGD. The estimated cost is Rs 7,373 crore under National Mission for Clean Ganga funding.

A separate Rs 123.23 crore project for a decentralised 5.5 MGD STP at Nayabans in Narela has already been awarded.

The board has also approved an estimated Rs 1,214.58 crore package for the long-pending Wazirabad water-supply project. It includes an 80 MGD water treatment plant, an automated raw-water intake and 15 years of operation and maintenance, besides rehabilitation of the existing 40 MGD plant. A Rs 3,505 crore ADB loan has also been approved for another 60 MGD plant, transmission upgrades, a SCADA system and distribution improvements.

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Tariff Rules, Emergency Centres and Rainwater Harvesting

The Delhi Water and Sewer (Tariff and Metering) Regulations, 2026 have been approved to replace the 2012 regulations. The new framework seeks to simplify water and sewer connection procedures, rationalise charges, clarify billing provisions and expand digital services. Rebates have also been proposed for households adopting rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling.

The board has approved Rs 65.49 crore for rebuilding 25 Water Emergency Centres with modern, secure and digital facilities.

Individual water connections may be sanctioned to domestic and non-domestic units, irrespective of building height, where technically feasible and prescribed conditions are met. Consumers will need adequate water-storage arrangements below 17.5 metres or according to prescribed standards.

The Rainwater Harvesting Policy 2026 also links groundwater recharge with flood management and provides for mandatory compliance in government buildings. DD India reported that the policy is aligned with the recently approved Master Plan of Delhi 2047.

What the Delhi Jal Board Decisions Cover

The latest decisions bring sewer maintenance, water-supply infrastructure, sewage treatment, tariff and metering, emergency response and rainwater harvesting under a broader infrastructure and service-improvement framework. The measures focus on planned maintenance, technology-based monitoring, water auditing, sewage treatment capacity and clearer responsibility for public services.

FAQs on Delhi Jal Board Water and Sewerage Projects

1. What is the Delhi Jal Board’s Rs 17,969.93 crore plan?
It is a 10-year sewer maintenance plan approved in principle under the “One Zone, One Operator” model.

2. What is the South Delhi water project worth?
The Delhi Jal Board has approved a Rs 6,044.05 crore project for comprehensive South Delhi water-supply infrastructure transformation.

3. How many new sewage treatment plants are planned?
Thirteen new sewage treatment plants with a combined capacity of 328 MGD are part of the approved measures.

4. What are the new tariff regulations?
The Delhi Water and Sewer (Tariff and Metering) Regulations, 2026 replace the 2012 regulations and address connections, charges, billing and digital services.

5. How much has been approved for Water Emergency Centres?
Rs 65.49 crore has been approved for rebuilding 25 Water Emergency Centres with modern, secure and digital facilities.