Two waterbodies will be constructed to recharge groundwater

Two waterbodies, measuring around 35 acres, will be constructed in Dwarka where treated water will be poured to recharge groundwater level, the Delhi government said today.

It will be the first such experiment in the national capital, Delhi Water Minister Mishra said. Four more water bodies will be developed in Rithala, Rohini Sector-25, Nilothi and Kondli after the pilot project's completion.

"Around 50 MGD (million gallons per day) treated water from the Pappankalan water plant will be diverted to these waterbodies. This will increase the level of groundwater in the Dwarka area enabling us to extract around 10-15 MGD water by July - August for supply," Mishra said.
 

Mishra, who is also the Delhi Jal Board chairman, made the announcement after the DJB's 129th Board Meeting, where a decision to abolish infrastructure charges for commercial connections was also taken.

Water activist Manoj Misra welcomed the step, saying it was an otherwise normal method executed elsewhere, especially during the non-monsoon season.

"It helps in recharging the nearby aquifers. It also helps further treat the water through a natural process and makes it ready for potable use. It should be tried in more places in the city," Misra said.

Meanwhile, Mishra said the government has also decided to ease the process of providing commercial connections by abolishing the infrastructure charge and creating two simple slabs for the development charge, aimed at ensuring ease of doing business.

"The late payment surcharge waiver (LPSC) for commercial connections and scheme regularisation of connections in unauthorised colonies has been extended till January 31, 2017," Mishra said, adding that DJB now has the "largest ever number" of metered connections at 19.54 lakh.

"We have also scaled up infrastructure work in DJB and have approved and passed projects worth over Rs 400 crores for 15 different constituencies across Delhi towards laying sewer lines and construction of reservoirs. DJB currently operates 6 baraat ghars (Community Halls). These will be opened for the citizens to use," he said.