The Delhi Jal Board has given in-principle approval to a Rs. 179.7 bn, 10-year programme to overhaul sewer maintenance across Delhi through a One Zone, One Operator model. The initiative is intended to improve accountability, preventive maintenance and the delivery of sewerage services to residents.

Under the plan, Delhi will be divided into eight zones, with one operator responsible for the complete sewer network in each zone. The responsibilities will include maintaining sewer lines, manholes and pumping stations, as well as handling complaints and coordinating responses to service issues.

The system will shift maintenance from reactive, complaint-based repairs to planned preventive work. It will use geo-tagged inspections, real-time monitoring through a central command centre, and 100 per cent mechanical and robotic sewer cleaning. Payments to operators will be linked to their performance, with the board aiming to resolve complaints faster and reduce sewer overflows.

The DJB currently maintains 11,212 km of sewer lines, 668,000 manholes and 145 pumping stations across 68 Assembly constituencies. Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the reform was intended to establish clear responsibility for sewerage services and improve the way the network was managed.

The board has also approved a Rs. 60.44 bn project to transform South Delhi’s water supply infrastructure. The project will cover 247 sq km, 13 underground reservoir command areas and 12 Assembly constituencies, and will serve 244,381 domestic consumers.

The water supply project targets continuous supply, zero contamination and a reduction in non-revenue water to below 15 per cent. Together, the two programmes represent a broader effort by the DJB to improve operational monitoring, infrastructure performance and public services across the capital.