New Delhi: The Delhi government has approved a ₹17,969-crore “One Zone, One Operator” project to improve the city’s sewerage infrastructure and shift from complaint-based repairs to planned preventive maintenance.
Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma said the decision was taken at a Delhi Jal Board meeting. Under the new model, Delhi will be divided into six zones, with one operator responsible for sewer lines, manholes, pumping stations and complaint resolution across each zone.
The system will use geo-tagged inspections, real-time monitoring through a central command centre and 100% mechanical and robotic sewer cleaning. Payments to operators will be linked to their performance, with the aim of reducing sewer overflows and resolving complaints faster.
South Delhi Water Supply to Get ₹6,044 Crore Upgrade
The Delhi Jal Board also approved a ₹6,044.05-crore project to transform water supply in South Delhi. The project will cover 247 sq km across 12 Assembly constituencies and benefit 2,44,381 domestic consumers.
It will introduce smart meters, bulk flow meters, chlorine sensors and pressure sensors to improve monitoring, metering and water auditing. The project targets reliable continuous water supply, zero contamination and reduction of non-revenue water to below 15%.
Read Also: Delhi Launches ₹8,300 Crore Clean Air Programme with World Bank Support to Combat Pollution
New Water and Rainwater Harvesting Regulations
The DJB approved the Delhi Water and Sewer (Tariff and Metering) Regulations, 2026, replacing the 2012 regulations. The new rules provide clearer billing provisions for non-functional, locked or inaccessible meters and aim to simplify new water and sewer connections.
The Board also approved the Rainwater Harvesting Policy 2026, linking rainwater harvesting with groundwater recharge, drainage and flood management. Government buildings will be required to comply with rainwater harvesting provisions.
13 New STPs Planned to Reduce Yamuna Pollution
To reduce untreated sewage entering the Yamuna, the Delhi Jal Board is constructing 13 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) under the National Mission for Clean Ganga, with an outlay of ₹7,373 crore.
The projects are part of Delhi’s broader efforts to improve sewerage management, strengthen water infrastructure and reduce pollution in the Yamuna.
Read Also: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Approves 1,000 Acres of Southern Ridge for Reserved Forest Notification
