New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) In a bid to enhance water supply, the Delhi government is in the process of building a 105 million gallons per day (MGD) water treatment facility at Chandrawal. This initiative, with an investment of Rs 599 crore, aims for completion by 2026, as announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday.

During a recent water review meeting, CM Gupta emphasized that the launch of the Chandrawal water treatment plant would greatly bolster Delhi's water supply network.

The project, which was initially sanctioned in 2012, faced significant delays due to ineffective management and execution under the prior administration, according to statements made.

Frequent cancellations of tenders and failure to adhere to the guidelines set by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) led to the project's stagnation for several years, causing costs to soar by nearly Rs 400 crore.

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) review meeting, held at the Delhi Secretariat, was attended by Water Minister Pravesh Verma and other senior department officials.

This project will encompass an area of around 92 square kilometers, representing about 6.20 percent of Delhi's total land area. Upon its completion, it is anticipated to significantly minimize water losses and enhance the quality and reliability of the water supply, ensuring residents have access to clean drinking water.

As part of the initiative, existing water supply lines to households are being upgraded at a cost of Rs 1,331 crore.

Among the three distribution projects—West Chandrawal, East Chandrawal, and Central Chandrawal—two have already been awarded. These pipelines will be installed across nine Assembly constituencies, including essential areas like Karol Bagh, Civil Lines, Kamla Nagar, Malka Ganj, Shadipur, Patel Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Naraina, Zakhira, New Rajendra Nagar, Hindu Rao, Idgah, Jhandewalan, Ridge Road, Ramlila Ground, and Subhash Park.

The project will also focus on reinforcing underground reservoirs (UGRs), installing water meters, preventing contamination, and setting up grievance redressal centers.

The goal is to lower non-revenue water from 30-45 percent to below 15 percent in three years. The maintenance of the newly installed pipelines will be managed under a 12-year contract, incurring additional costs.

The Chandrawal water treatment facility will cater to approximately 11 percent of Delhi's population. It is designed to enhance water supply in Assembly constituencies such as Model Town, Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Matia Mahal, Ballimaran, Karol Bagh, Patel Nagar, Rajinder Nagar, and R.K. Puram. These densely populated regions have struggled with water supply and pressure issues for an extended period.