Saturday, 3 February 2018

DJB approves key decisions in its 136th board meeting


Delhi Jal Board (DJB) approved several important decisions yesterday in its 136th board meeting, chaired by chief minister Arvind kejriwal. City Spidey brings you the highlights.

Waiver on arrears

DJB approved waiver on all arrears on account of additional sewer charges for Dwarka. Residents in the sub-city have installed borewells because of paucity of water. They were thus to pay additional sewer charges after DJB took over Dwarka from DDA in 2015. The chief minister, who is also the DJB chairman, had recently visited the area and met local residents over the issue. During his visit, he had assured them of waiver on arrears on account of additional sewer charges.

New water bodies to augment supply

To augment the supply of drinking water in Dwarka, new source of raw water is being developed by creation of water body at Dwarka water treatment plant and Pappankalan waste water treatment plant. The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 56.54 crore.

Respite from ammonia poisoning

To do away with the problem of ammonia getting dissolved in raw-water supply, DJB approved an additional 2,400 mm line for raw water mains from Delhi sub-branch near Haiderpur. A WTP would also be set up in order to reduce dependency on water from Yamuna, which is often contaminated with ammonia.

In the meantime, a wall is being constructed between drain no. 6 and drain no. 8 in Piao Maniyari in Sonepat to segregate industrial waste and raw water, which flows through the canal to Delhi. The wall will stop ammonia from getting mixed with raw water. 

Construction of underground reservoirs 

The board approved construction of two under ground reservoirs (UGR) of 9.1 million litre and 5.8 million litre capacity at Bijwasan Village near Dwarka and at Rajokri village, respectively. These lines will be fed through the extension of feeder main network of CT-6.

At present, both Bijwasan and Rajokari command areas are being fed water through tube and tankers. No potable water supply exists in these urban villages situated in the south-west zone of Delhi.

Deployment of 200 sewer cleaning machines

The board also approved the deployment of specially fabricated tailor-made 200 sewer cleaning machines for cleaning of sewer lines in narrow streets and lanes of Delhi. This will eliminate the practice of manual scavenging of sewer lines. To this end, Delhi Water Board Septage Management Regulations 2018 were also approved. These regulations would completely eliminate the practice of manual cleaning of sewer lines and ensure proper disposal of septage. 

Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) penalty deadline extended

The deadline for levying penalty for not having Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) systems in residential areas has been extended till June 30, 2018. All residential societies are required to have a functional RWH structure. For those who have already paid the RWH penalty, the amount will be adjusted in future bills.

Decentralised Waste Water Treatment Plants

In line with Sewerage Master Plan 2031 that aims to provide sewerage facilities in “un-sewered” areas of Delhi, the board approved the proposal for construction of decentralised waste water treatment plants and rejuvenation and development of water bodies on Design, Built and Operate basis with 10 years in Burari Assembly Constituency of Delhi. 

Scheme of reduced rates of sewer and water development

The scheme of reduced rates of sewer and water development charges for unauthorised colonies has been extended by Delhi Jal Board till March 31. This measure is aimed at inspiring more people to apply for regularisation of domestic unauthorised water connections — to bring them into the ambit of water and sewage network.