Delhi: Parvesh alleges graft by AAP in Timarpur project, orders probe

Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma on Sunday accused the previous AAP government of gross mismanagement and corruption in the execution of the Timarpur Oxidation Pond project.

During a surprise inspection, the minister found that the Rs 85-crore project, aimed at treating sewage before it enters the Yamuna, remains non-functional. Despite a huge sum of public money spent on the project, not a single drop of sewage has been treated to date.

Verma claimed that approximately Rs 35 to Rs 40 crore were spent merely on landscaping and grass, while another Rs 45 crore was used for constructing 18 oxidation ponds across a 40-acre site.

“This is a living example of the corruption perpetrated by the AAP government. The real question is where did all this money go? People of Delhi deserve answers,” the minister said.

He said the project was based on outdated technology and launched without proper technical evaluation, clearly aimed at misleading the public and benefitting contractors. On-site officials reportedly admitted that the system was not suitable for Delhi’s conditions. A full investigation has been ordered to determine the flow of funds and identify those responsible.

The project, once promoted as an environmentally sustainable solution to clean the Yamuna, has instead become what the minister described as both an environmental and financial failure. He stressed the need for transparency and strict action against those who sanctioned and executed the plan without due diligence.

Later in the day, Verma also visited the Coronation Pillar sewage treatment plant (STP) to review its operations. He said regular inspections were being conducted to ensure all STPs in Delhi function at full capacity and meet chemical standards for treated water.

“If all plants perform as per norms, cleaning the Yamuna will no longer remain a slogan — it will become a reality,” he said. The minister also flagged the continuing issue of untreated industrial waste and sewage flowing into Delhi from Haryana. The minister said he would request a Chief Minister-level meeting with the Centre and the Haryana government to address the issue.

Verma also presented the ‘Om’ symbol to officials at the Coronation Pillar sewage treatment plant in recognition of their commendable work.

He further inspected the Tilak Bridge area for the third consecutive day to monitor progress on waterlogging issues.