Hardlook: Struggle for every drop in South Delhi’s Sangam Vihar

A DJB document recounting its achievements since the AAP formed the government reads, “The much awaited scheme for providing piped water supply in the 38 colonies of Sangam Vihar has been flagged off by inviting tenders. The 4 lakh people of Sangam Vihar will stand to benefit from this scheme.”

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Dinesh Mohaniya, DJB vice-chairperson and Sangam Vihar MLA, says, “The DJB had sanctioned funds worth Rs 90 crore a couple of months ago. However, after tenders were invited for the project, only one individual bid for the project. Technically speaking, this is not acceptable. So, tenders will be invited afresh. This is likely to happen soon.”

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The project involves laying down a pipeline network of 180 km, covering the 38 colonies of Sangam Vihar. “The project, once work is allotted, is expected to be completed within 18 months. Pipelines with a diameter of 100 mm will be used in this project so that the each and every household gets water supply. Due to the manner in which construction has taken place in the area, and with the roads being around 5 to 6 ft wide, pipes for the internal pipeline network will have to be installed manually. There is no space for a JCB to move around,” adds Mohaniya.

The decision on the project was taken at a DJB meeting in December. A DJB official says, “The aim was to gradually extend piped water supply to more number of unauthorised colonies of the area, benefiting around 3 lakh people. At that time, water supply was being provided through tankers, tubewells and public hydrants. The water for the internal pipeline network was to be fed from an underground reservoir in Okhla Phase-II.”

Nearly five years ago, a 3.5-km long peripheral pipeline network was set up near Sangam Vihar, but hardly any water was supplied through those pipes. “Recently water supply from Sonia Vihar via Okhla is being given to Sangam Vihar, Deoli and Ambedkar Nagar. At present, around 6 million gallons are being fed daily into that pipeline network from the pumping station,” says a senior DJB official.

According to Mohaniya, in the last six months, temporary pipelines to supply water to Sangam Vihar have been put in place. “To tap water from the peripheral pipeline network, we have set up hydrants in the colony; one tap for around 10 households, free of cost. Through this, around 65 to 70 per cent of Sangam Vihar is receiving water supply.”