Stories
Delhi Approves Rs 17,969 Crore Sewerage Overhaul, Targets Smart Water Management
- •Delhi government greenlights a Rs 17,969 crore "One Zone, One Operator" project to revolutionize the city's sewerage infrastructure, dividing the city into six zones with single operators for end-to-end responsibility.
- •The Delhi Water and Sewer (Tariff and Metering) Regulations 2026 were approved, replacing outdated rules and introducing fair billing for non-functional meters and simplified new connection processes.
- •A Rs 6,044.05 crore project for South Delhi's water supply infrastructure will install smart meters with chlorine sensors, aiming for continuous supply, zero contamination, and reduced non-revenue water.
- •The new system will shift from reactive repairs to planned preventive maintenance with real-time monitoring, geo-tagged inspections, and 100% mechanical and robotic sewer cleaning.
- •The DJB also approved a new Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) Policy 2026, aligning with the Master Plan of Delhi 2047, making RWH mandatory for all government buildings and connecting it with drainage and flood management.
Key Questions Answered
The Delhi government approved the Rs 17,969-crore 'One Zone, One Operator' project to improve sewerage infrastructure across the city by dividing it into six zones with end-to-end single operators.
The Rs 6,044.05-crore South Delhi project will be funded 25 percent by the Indian government's Urban Challenge Fund, 25 percent by the Delhi government, and 50 percent through loans. It will use smart meters, bulk flow meters, and chlorine and pressure sensors for real-time monitoring and water auditing.
The Rainwater Harvesting Policy 2026 categorizes buildings by area and soil absorption capacity, mandates compliance for all government buildings, and links rainwater harvesting with drainage and flood management to tackle water-logging and groundwater recharge together.
