The Delhi government plans to install 250 water ATMs across the national capital at an estimated cost of Rs 580 million (mn). Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the initial roll-out will target government schools as part of efforts to broaden access to safe drinking water. The project approval was given at a recent board meeting of the Delhi Jal Board.

The Delhi Jal Board has also cleared a project to set up 15 decentralised sewage treatment plants worth Rs 20 billion (bn). The minister said the scheme is expected to increase the overall sewage treatment capacity by around 103.5 MGD. Officials indicated that the move forms part of a broader strategy to improve wastewater management in the city.

The government has approved in-situ treatment of the Najafgarh drain, identified as one of the largest contributors to Yamuna pollution, with a project value of Rs 650 million (mn). The work will be contracted for a period of three years and payments will be linked to performance metrics. Authorities said the measure aims to reduce pollutant loads entering the river in the short to medium term.

A project to revive and restore the Wazirabad pondage area to enhance raw water storage and operational efficiency has also been cleared. The plan seeks to increase holding capacity from one day to two or three days to buffer against fluctuations in raw water availability. The city recently faced supply constraints due to low raw water levels.

The Delhi Jal Board approved a pre-feasibility study by the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee for laying a main line from the Munak Regulator to Haiderpur to convey 1,050 cusecs of water at an estimated cost of Rs 72.4 bn. The study is intended to assess technical and financial feasibility for augmenting conveyance infrastructure. Officials said the steps are part of long term measures to secure urban water supply.