WATER STORAGE RESERVOIRS

Rainwater goes waste as capital lacks reservoirs

Neha Lalchandani | TNN

New Delhi: In 1989, the Delhi government had estimated that 59 underground reservoirs (UGR) would be required in the city to ensure equitable distribution of water. In 2000-02 , another study carried out recommended a further 53 UGRs for the Capital. Problems of land, errant contractors and increased costs have meant that only about 49 have been commissioned till now. UGRs are essential for a balanced distribution system within the city. But of the 53 UGRs proposed in early 2000, 24 have been commissioned, 10 will be commissioned this year, 12 will be complete by next year and another 7 are awaiting land clearance for work to start.
By the time land was acquired, costs of construction went up and contractors proved to be a problem. In the case of Sonia Vihar, our UGR system is still not in place as by the time UP released water for it, the contractor decided to run off as the price of cement and steel had gone up, said a DJB official.
During peak monsoon, Delhi gets about 40,000 MGD of water, most of which is not used as Delhis treatment capacity is about 700 MGD and it doesnt have any storage capacity. According to Central Pollution Control Board data, Delhis allocation for the monsoon, between July and October, is 580 million cubic meters (MCM). Of this the Capital utilises only 282 MCM and the
rest flows away. A plan to have a barrage at Palla, which would ensure a 60-day storage for the Wazirabad and Chandrawal treatment plants, is still hanging as it is yet to get clearance from other states. The CWC has already conducted a pre-feasibility study on the project. Delhi has a huge problem of no storage upstream or within the city. Due to this, hundreds of thousands gallons of water is released into the Yamuna annually. The Capital is constantly treading the tightrope with its neighbours because of its dependence on them for water, said a DJB official.