DJB receives Rs 12.51 bn boost for water projects in Delhi

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB), as per the revised budget estimates, has been allocated approximately Rs 12.5115 billion in grants and loans for various projects. A significant portion of this allocation comprises grants-in-aid to support the financially struggling board. Specifically, the revised estimate includes Rs 652.6 million for raw water treatment and Rs 2362.8 million as grants-in-aid for ensuring a potable water supply in unauthorised colonies. In its commitment to enhancing clean drinking water infrastructure, the Delhi government is undertaking projects such as the establishment of 400 reverse-osmosis plants connected to water ATMs providing free drinking water. For the rejuvenation of the Yamuna, a grant-in-aid of Rs 702.7 million has been provided to the DJB. The government aims to revive the Yamuna by 2025 and has identified four focus areas for this purpose. A sum of Rs 681.3 million has been allotted to DJB for utilising treated water and establishing infrastructure related to horticulture. Additionally, five loans will be extended to the board, covering various initiatives. These include a loan for the rehabilitation of the sewerage network under Yamuna Action Plan-3. Another loan will be provided to cover Delhi's share of Rs 15 million in the Centre's projects. To address the issue of untreated sewage from unauthorised colonies flowing into the Yamuna, Rs 5 million loan has been allocated for developing necessary infrastructure. Furthermore, Rs 12.9 million loan is designated for the improvement of existing water infrastructure, and Rs 5.7 million loan will be granted for the construction and maintenance of tube wells. To support the DJB's efforts in cleaning and replacing old distribution systems and trunk transmission lines underground, a loan of Rs 34 million will be disbursed.