New Delhi:
Delhi Water Minister and Chairman of Delhi Jal Board, Satyendar Jain on Saturday directed the officials to clean up 200 waterbodies and all lakes under DJB before the monsoon, adding that the arrangement for treated water, however, should go on in parallel. The directions from Jain came during a meeting conducted to review the situation of 600 water bodies and lakes in Delhi.
“It was brought to notice through multiple complaints by the public and local community that waste mismanagement by BJP led MCD had converted these water bodies and lakes into dumping grounds.” said a Delhi government spokesperson in a communiqué.
Further to get the desired quantity of water of 10-12 MGD to the Paschim vihar lake area and other green belts, the Minister instructed that a dedicated pipeline should be laid from Keshopur STP to the point of Paschim Vihar lake. He further instructed that the ordinance forest near Shakurpur railway station should be supplied with treated water from Mangolpuri Common effluent treating plant (CETP). Treated water from Keshopur STP will also be used for groundwater recharge in the 200 acres of green area across the Najafgarh drain, he said.
On the occasion, Jain also reviewed the work of Iradat Nagar lake which will receive 25MGD water from Rithala STP. The project is expected to be completed in one year. This will help in groundwater recharge in north Delhi.
Similarly, Jain directed that DJB should complete the lake rejuvenation project and develop it as a polishing pond to improve the incoming 5 MGD of water from Najafgarh STP using natural wetlands and aeration to BOD 3 mg/L. Sludge generated from this STP will be used in Pappankala STP where the surplus capacity of treatment is available. This will result in a saving of Rs. 30 Crore of the Delhi Jal board.
Meanwhile, Jain directed to speed up the work of the construction of the lake at Dwarka WTP and to create two lakes in addition to the existing lake of 7 acres at Pappankalan STP. The minister directed to remove the sludge drying beds and replace them with the latest incineration technology, which will unlock 10 acres of land inside Pappankalan STP.
Jain instructed to use unutilized 60 acres of land at Nilothi STP for the creation of lakes and groundwater recharge. Currently, 50 MGD of treated water from Nilothi STP is released into the Najafgarh drain. This will now be utilized for groundwater recharge after polishing through the lake. Jain also directed to replace 20 acres of sludge drying bed with the latest technology of incineration under the public-private partnership model. This will unlock 20 acres of land inside Nilothi STP which will be used for groundwater recharge purposes.
The minister also strictly directed senior officials of DJB to ensure that no sewerage line should be connected to a strong water drain and no sewage should enter a strong water drain. DJB has been directed to submit a report on this by 10 April 2021.
