Kejri launches 24-hr clean water supply in DDA flats
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated 24x7 clean drinking water supply at DDA flats in Pandav Nagar, Rajinder Nagar Assembly constituency, on Tuesday.
To reinforce his commitment, Kejriwal drank water directly from the tap, saying, “We promised clean water to every household in Delhi 24x7. Today, I am proud to announce that this mission has begun.”
Accompanied by Delhi CM Atishi and MLA Durgesh Pathak, Kejriwal emphasised the significance of the project, which is part of his broader vision for the city's water infrastructure. He said more than 97 per cent of Delhi currently receives piped water, but the goal was to ensure that every household gets clean and uninterrupted water directly from taps, even in high-rise buildings.
Kejriwal said: “When we took over in 2015, around 50-60 per cent of Delhi’s residents relied on water tankers. Today, over 97 per cent have access to piped water. But the journey to 24x7 clean water continues, and it starts right here.”
Kejriwal also acknowledged the challenges faced during the journey, mentioning the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and political obstacles.
"In 2020, I promised 24x7 water supply by 2025. The pandemic and false cases delayed this. Now, we have overcome those challenges,” he said.
"We are now on track to ensure clean water for every Delhiite and I am confident this initiative will spread across the city,” he said.
Reflecting on the water shortage issue, Kejriwal outlined the government's plans to meet the city’s increasing water demand. “In 2015, Delhi produced 900 million gallons per day (MGD) of water. Now, we produce 1,000 MGD, but we need 1,250 MGD for 24x7 supply. We’re working on solutions to address this gap, including utilising groundwater in areas like East and North-East Delhi,” he explained.
To secure additional water, the government plans to extract 200 MGD from tube wells in the Trans-Yamuna region, where water is available but contaminated with ammonia and salinity. “We’ve installed de-ammonisation and RO plants to make this water potable,” he said. The treatment will ensure the safe delivery of 1,400 MGD of water for the city in the coming years.
Delhi CM Atishi also praised the initiative. “When Arvind Kejriwal became the CM, Delhi lacked essential services such as water, sewer systems and electricity. Now, under his leadership, Delhi has 24x7 electricity, excellent government schools and free healthcare through Mohalla Clinics,” Atishi said. “Today, the dream of 24x7 clean water has started becoming a reality,” she said.
Atishi said more than 4,000 kilometers of water pipelines had been laid across Delhi. The government had worked tirelessly to ensure equitable access to basic amenities. “No leader or government has ever worked on this scale for the common people of Delhi,” she concluded.
The water supply system at DDA flats, Pandav Nagar, is powered by an advanced infrastructure setup, which includes a 2,25,000 liter underground reservoir and a booster pump system capable of processing 125 cubic meters of water per hour. This system will serve around 400 households, benefiting approximately 2,000 residents.
