By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: In a citizen-focused push to resolve long-standing water and sewer issues in the capital, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), under the leadership of Delhi’s Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma, has approved a series of major reforms aimed at improving service delivery, transparency and public trust.
Addressing persistent complaints ranging from faulty billing to lack of sewer connectivity, the Board has cleared a comprehensive plan targeting everyday challenges faced by lakhs of households across the city.
Major Overhaul of Water Billing System
In a significant step, the DJB has approved a city-wide door-to-door e-KYC and digital database update drive covering nearly 35 lakh consumers. With an outlay of Rs 60 crore, the initiative will introduce technology-backed solutions such as GPS-tagged meter readings, photo-based verification, and proof of bill delivery.
Officials say the move is designed to eliminate discrepancies that have long troubled residents and restore confidence in the billing process.
Speaking on the initiative, Minister Verma said that inaccurate billing and delayed delivery have been key pain points for citizens. He emphasized that the reforms aim to build a system that is “accurate, transparent, and trustworthy,” ensuring that consumers are not burdened by sudden inflated bills or faulty meters.
The government expects all registered consumers to have verified digital records within six months, significantly reducing disputes and improving accountability.
Sewer Connectivity Boost in Kirari
In a major infrastructure push, the Board has also approved large-scale House Service Sewer Connections (HSSCs) in Kirari and adjoining areas. The project is set to benefit over 7 lakh residents across multiple colonies, including Pratap Vihar, Prem Nagar and Bhagya Vihar.
The initiative is expected to bring long-awaited relief to families who have been dependent on inadequate and unhygienic sanitation arrangements, marking a step toward cleaner and healthier living conditions.
Focus on Yamuna Cleaning
Strengthening efforts to clean the Yamuna, the DJB has cleared projects worth over Rs 71 crore for in-situ treatment of wastewater in the Delhi Gate drain. Additionally, plans to revive the pondage area upstream of the Wazirabad barrage aim to improve water quality and storage capacity.
Officials noted that these measures focus on stopping untreated sewage at the source, a critical step in reducing river pollution.
Governance with a Ground-Level Focus
The latest decisions highlight a shift towards responsive governance under Minister Verma, with a focus on addressing real-life issues affecting citizens daily. By combining technology with infrastructure development, the government aims to deliver reliable services while restoring public trust in essential utilities.
With these initiatives, the Delhi Jal Board is positioning itself to move beyond temporary fixes and implement long-term, sustainable solutions for the capital’s water and sanitation challenges.
