NEW DELHI: The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is set to embark on an ambitious project aimed at tackling the persistent water supply issues plaguing the national capital. The initiative involves the installation of an 11-kilometre pipeline designed to alleviate the intermittent water supply problems caused by elevated ammonia concentrations in the Yamuna River. This significant infrastructure project is currently in the planning stages, with the department working diligently on specifications and cost estimates, which are projected at around Rs 300 crore.
The proposed water conduit will connect the Haiderpur Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to the Wazirabad barrage. Water Minister and DJB Chairperson Parvesh Verma emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "Under the leadership of PM Modi, we are working to ensure that the capital does not face a water crisis even in extreme summer, and this initiative is in that direction." The proposal received approval during a recent DJB board meeting, marking a significant step forward in the effort to secure water supply for Delhiites.
The pipeline is expected to supply raw water to the Wazirabad pond, particularly in situations where drawing water directly from Wazirabad is not advisable due to high ammonia levels. A senior official from DJB explained that a 2,400-millimetre diameter pipeline will be laid from the Haiderpur WTP, which sources its raw water from the Carrier Line Channel (CLC), also known as the Munak Canal. This channel runs from Karnal in Haryana to Haiderpur and is responsible for delivering approximately 680 cusecs of raw water to various water treatment plants across Delhi.
One of the critical challenges the initiative aims to address is the management of ammonia concentration in the Yamuna, which currently affects the operations at both the Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants. The design of these plants limits their ability to treat raw water containing more than 1 part per million (ppm) of ammonia. However, recent measurements have shown ammonia levels in the river spiking to as high as 5 ppm, resulting in reduced water production and supply.
In addition to the pipeline project, Verma recently announced that the DJB is undertaking desilting work at the Wazirabad plant. This desilting process, expected to be completed within one to one-and-a-half months, aims to double the plant's current storage capacity. During an inspection of the Wazirabad facility, Verma even sampled the treated water, demonstrating confidence in the quality of the supply.
The proposed pipeline project falls under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) program, a central government initiative aimed at improving urban infrastructure across India. With the completion of this project anticipated within two years, the DJB hopes to significantly improve water quality and availability for residents of Delhi.
As the summer months approach, the urgency of this project becomes even more apparent. Delhi has historically faced challenges with water supply during the hotter months, and the DJB's proactive measures aim to mitigate these issues. The installation of the pipeline is a crucial step towards ensuring a reliable water supply, particularly as temperatures rise and demand increases.
In summary, the Delhi Jal Board's initiative to install an 11-kilometre pipeline from Haiderpur to Wazirabad represents a significant investment in the city's water infrastructure. By addressing the ammonia concentration in the Yamuna and enhancing storage capacity, the DJB is working diligently to prevent a water crisis in the capital this summer. As the project progresses, residents can remain hopeful for improved water quality and consistency in supply.
