The Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the agency responsible for water supply and sewerage management in the national capital, is operating with a critically depleted workforce. Official data tabled in the Delhi Assembly reveals a staggering number of unfilled positions, raising serious questions about the board's ability to deliver essential services effectively.
A Deepening Staffing Crisis Across All Levels
According to the data, more than 1,600 posts are lying vacant across Group A, B, and C categories. Out of a total sanctioned strength of 3,260 positions in these key groups, only 1,650 are currently occupied. This massive 49% vacancy rate is crippling the organization's operational capacity.
The shortage is acute at the senior decision-making level in Group A, where only 41 out of 67 sanctioned posts are filled. The middle-level administration and technical supervision in Group B is also severely impacted, with just 441 positions occupied against a sanctioned strength of 715.
The most alarming gap exists in Group C, which comprises the operational and field staff directly responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of water supply and sewerage systems. Here, a massive 1,310 posts out of 2,478 are vacant, leaving the frontline response team dangerously understaffed.
Ageing Infrastructure and Mounting Losses
Compounding the staffing crisis is the deteriorating state of Delhi's water infrastructure. Water Minister Parvesh Verma earlier highlighted that over 5,200 km (32.5%) of the DJB's pipelines are more than 30 years old. An additional 2,700 km (nearly 17%) are between 20 to 30 years old. This means roughly half of the 16,000 km network is past its prime.
This aging system is a primary cause of immense water losses. Verma stated that the deteriorating pipelines result in losses of up to 55% of treated water, meaning more than half never reaches consumers. He attributed the high losses and recurring failures to long-term neglect, where old pipelines have become a source of problems instead of reliable conduits.
Impact on Services and Steps for Resolution
An official familiar with the matter stated that the large-scale vacancies severely affect the board's operations, especially during peak summer months when water demand surges. The existing employees face immense additional pressure, leading to increased workloads and inevitable delays in service delivery.
In response to the crisis, the board has initiated some recruitment processes. It informed the Assembly that a proposal for filling vacant posts of assistant engineer (civil) and junior engineer (civil) was forwarded on February 21, 2024, and the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) has begun the process. The examination for 50 posts of junior engineer (electrical and mechanical) has been completed, with results pending, and a notification for another 50 similar posts has been issued.
The Delhi government has expressed commitment to fixing the situation. However, the twin challenges of a hollowed-out workforce and crumbling infrastructure present a formidable task for the authorities, with the city's water security hanging in the balance.
