Delhi Government Announces 2026 Commissioning of Major Chandrawal Water Treatment Plant
In a significant move to bolster the capital's water infrastructure, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta declared on Monday that the state government anticipates commissioning a new 105 million gallon per day (MGD) water treatment plant at Chandrawal by the year 2026. This announcement came during a review meeting of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), strategically convened in preparation for the impending summer season.
Project Details and Expected Impact
The pending initiative, originally sanctioned back in 2012, is designed to fortify Delhi's water supply network. Once operational, the Chandrawal facility is projected to substantially improve both the quality and dependability of drinking water across the city. Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that the plant will span an area of roughly 92 square kilometres, which constitutes approximately 6.2 per cent of Delhi's total geographical expanse. This development is set to positively impact nearly 11 per cent of the city's residents.
Historical Delays and Cost Implications
The project has encountered considerable setbacks over the years, as officials noted. Constructed with an estimated budget of Rs 599 crore, it faced repeated tender cancellations and non-adherence to the guidelines set by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) during the tenure of the previous administration. These protracted delays resulted in a cost escalation of nearly Rs 400 crore, highlighting the financial and logistical challenges that have plagued the initiative.
Comprehensive Pipeline Replacement and Additional Measures
As an integral component of this undertaking, the government is also executing a comprehensive replacement of water supply and distribution pipelines, with an allocation of Rs 1,331 crore. Gupta further informed that among the three distribution projects—West Chandrawal, East Chandrawal, and Central Chandrawal—two have already been awarded. The pipeline replacement work will extend across nine Assembly constituencies, encompassing key localities such as Karol Bagh, Civil Lines, Kamla Nagar, Patel Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Naraina, New Rajendra Nagar, and adjacent areas.
Broader Infrastructure Enhancements and Future Goals
The project's scope extends beyond the treatment plant and pipelines. It includes the reinforcement of underground reservoirs, the installation of water meters, initiatives to prevent contamination, and the establishment of grievance redressal centres. According to the Chief Minister, the government has set an ambitious target to reduce non-revenue water losses from the current range of 30-45 per cent to below 15 per cent within a three-year timeframe. Additionally, maintenance of the newly installed pipelines will be managed under a separate 12-year agreement, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency.
