“This plant is a critical step under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision for a clean Yamuna and a sewage-free Delhi,” said Verma, who inspected the facility ahead of the launch.

The state-of-the-art, fully automated WWTP is monitored through a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, ensuring that the treated water meets international quality standards. The effluent discharged has biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) levels below 10 mg/L — making it safe for reuse and environmentally sound.

Serving close to 4 million residents in Old Delhi, Central Delhi, NDMC areas, and South Delhi, the Okhla WWTP marks a milestone in sustainable urban development. Currently, its treated water is being released into the Old Agra Canal, but upon completion of the Abul Fazal drain, it will flow into the Yamuna downstream of the Okhla Barrage.

In a step towards circular economy practices, the plant also generates 4.8 MW of renewable energy using biogas and produces India’s first Class-A, pathogen-free sludge — a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer.

Operational since June 2024 in a phased manner, the plant already supplies 40 MLD of treated water for horticultural use across Delhi. It adds 30 million gallons per day (MGD) to the city's treatment capacity and ensures that 35 MGD of sewage from the Barapullah and Maharani Bagh drains is treated before it reaches the Yamuna — a significant move towards reducing pollution levels in the river.

Simultaneously, the city’s Public Works Department (PWD) has rolled out an ambitious road repair drive. Verma announced that 600 kilometres of roads will be repaired in 2025, with 250 km already under repair ahead of the monsoon. The remaining work will commence post-monsoon under Phase 2.

“Recarpeting, patchwork, pothole filling, and restoring roads damaged by utility works are all part of the plan,” said Verma. To ensure long-term results, contractors will be bound by a two-year operation and maintenance clause.

PWD currently oversees 1,400 km of roads wider than 60 feet, which were handed over from the MCD in 2012. With persistent complaints from residents about deteriorating road conditions, the department now aims to address those concerns under this renewed infrastructure push.