Delhi witnessing 'visible change' in governance: PWD Minister

PWD and Water Minister Parvesh Verma on Monday said Delhi is witnessing a “visible change” in governance due to seamless coordination between the BJP-led Central Government, Delhi Government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

“This is the biggest reform in Delhi governance – no excuses, no delays, only delivery. The results are visible because we are working together, not against each other,” said Verma at a press conference.

He said for the first time, governance in Delhi is moving forward without conflicts and blame games. Highlighting the work done by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Verma said a massive desilting drive had cleared over 15 lakh metric tonnes of silt from key drains across the city.

“Encroachments on drains are also being removed to ensure free flow of water during monsoon,” he said. To build departmental capacity, 156 new posts have been sanctioned.

On the infrastructure front, the PWD has begun implementing a new road tendering system, starting with the Delhi University area.

“Thirty-five packages for drain desilting have been issued, each with separate tenders. Thirty-five per cent of the work on storm water drains is already complete, and the remaining work is scheduled to finish by June 15,” Verma said.

He also noted that 100 km of roads have been resurfaced, 90 per cent of dark spots

have been illuminated and 2,500 new streetlights have been installed. Arbitration clauses have been removed from new tenders. “This decision comes after our experience with delays and losses in projects like Barapullah flyover,” he added.

Verma also announced major reforms in water services. “The Delhi Jal Board is rolling out a new integrated control system – ‘One City, One Control Room, One Number’ – to respond better to water issues.”

He said water distribution would now be rationalised according to population, illegal water tapping is being tackled and “domestic water bills will be reduced by up to 90 per cent.” A new sewer master plan is being prepared, and billing software is being upgraded to make the process more transparent.

He said all 1,800 unauthorised colonies in Delhi will be connected to sewer lines by 2027. “This is the first time such a comprehensive commitment has been made with a clear deadline,” said Verma.