Only 450m of 1,140m Janakpuri Sewer Lines Laid, DJB Tells NGT

25 Mar 2026 CW Team

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that only 450 metre (m) of the planned 1,140 metre (m) sewer lines have been laid in the Janakpuri area, leaving a substantial shortfall in the project schedule. The disclosure was made during a hearing where the pace of work and its environmental implications were examined. The work is part of a wider municipal effort to upgrade ageing sewer infrastructure and reduce untreated sewage discharge into local drains.

DJB officials indicated that progress has been hampered by utility relocation requirements, technical challenges in densely built sectors and contractor mobilisation delays, compounded by recent monsoon conditions that limited sustained field operations. The board said coordination with multiple agencies has been necessary to avoid damage to existing services, which has added to implementation time. Officials also noted that work sequencing has been adjusted to prioritise sections posing the greatest immediate pollution risk.

The tribunal requested a detailed action plan and progress timetable and asked the board to present measures to accelerate completion while ensuring environmental safeguards. DJB outlined steps intended to hasten work, including deploying additional labour shifts, increasing machinery and enhancing onsite supervision, alongside tighter agency coordination to clear bottlenecks. The board emphasised that health and environmental protections will be maintained even as schedules are compressed.

Resident groups have registered concerns about odour and surface contamination where sewer lines remain incomplete, prompting the tribunal to indicate it will monitor compliance closely at follow up hearings. The board said it will provide periodic status reports to the tribunal and engage with local stakeholders to manage interim risks. The matter will return to the tribunal for review, where the pace of work and adherence to environmental conditions will be assessed.

Infrastructure Urban

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