DJB’s water masterplan likely by June

In a major step aimed at reforming the water sector,the Water Masterplan 2021 has roped in a Japanese company to conduct water audits and assess the situation across Delhi. “The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) has submitted the draft Water Masterplan 2021 for improvement of the water supply system in Delhi. It is under scrutiny,and will be finalised by June 2011,” an affidavit filed by the DJB in the Delhi High Court said.

The affidavit,which came up for perusal before a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra on Wednesday,stated that it had conducted a comprehensive study on the water supply system in Delhi before preparing feasibility reports. “We are committed to ensuring water supply to all the areas in the city and JICA was,therefore,engaged to help us assess the requirements of the population based on their demographic particulars. The plan would further provide infrastructural facilities in existing and new areas of the city in accordance with the Delhi Masterplan 2021,” said advocate Jeetendra Pandey,who was appearing for DJB counsel Sumeet Pushkarna.

The affidavit by the DJB disclosed that the population was expected to grow to 230 lakh from 180 lakh in 2010. The

expected demand of water in 2021 would be 1,380 million gallons per day (MGD) and there was a shortfall of more than

200 MGD.

Besides tapping Yamuna water by way of upstream storage,the affidavit said,“Renuka (dam) is likely to happen first to yield 275 MGD to Delhi. The DJB has paid about Rs 215 crore to Himachal Pradesh and Rs 160 crore to Haryana to ensure sufficient water supply to the Capital.”

The counsel further told the Bench that once the Masterplan was accorded the final nod,the DJB would start constructing underground reservoirs at various places to ensure adequate water supply for residents.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by a Surender Sharma,an advocate,alleging the DJB has failed to supply adequate water to the residents of Gangaram in Shahadara.

Despite various directions issued by the court,the DJB had not taken adequate steps to construct underground reservoirs,he claimed,adding that residents of adjoining areas were misusing the water supply by illegally installing multiple pumps.

To this,the DJB counsel said that the land had recently been transferred to them by the MCD,and they would start constructing the reservoir as soon as they get the physical possession. The court then directed the MCD to give the land to the DJB within two weeks,so the work could start immediately. It also asked DJB officials to visit the place to curb misuse of water.