Minister Verma takes oath as Delhi MC member, unveils key development plans
Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma on Tuesday took oath as a member of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in a ceremony attended by BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj and NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal. Alongside Verma, MLA Virender Singh Kadian and Additional Secretary (Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs) Ravi Kumar Arora were also sworn in following a March 3 notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Soon after taking the oath, Verma chaired the first NDMC council meeting since the Delhi elections. The meeting saw the approval of several key civic initiatives, including the installation of 9,000 new water connections in slum clusters, a renewable energy push, waterlogging mitigation measures and an anti-encroachment drive aimed at ensuring cleaner roads and better security.
One of the primary concerns discussed was the chronic water shortage in slum areas. Verma announced that 9,000 new water connections would be installed in 34 slum clusters over the next six to eight months, benefitting nearly 4,700 residents.
“Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right. These new connections will ensure that thousands of people living in slums get safe and clean water,” Verma said.
Further, to promote sustainable energy solutions, the NDMC has formed a committee to explore renewable energy adoption. The council is considering making solar panel installations mandatory for buildings in its jurisdiction.
“Solar power is the future. Our committee will soon submit a report on how we can integrate solar energy into NDMC areas more effectively,” Verma said.
Additionally, the NDMC is exploring ways to procure cheaper electricity, aiming to reduce consumer costs. “We are looking at alternative energy procurement methods that will allow NDMC residents to benefit from lower electricity rates,” he added.
Moreover, waterlogging has long been a recurring issue in New Delhi, particularly during the monsoon season. Verma stated that the NDMC had given instructions to implement a summer action plan, which included desilting drains and installing water harvesting machines to prevent flooding.
“Our city must be prepared before the monsoons arrive. We will take proactive steps to prevent the usual chaos caused by waterlogging,” he assured.
To improve road conditions, Verma also announced an anti-encroachment drive to clear illegal structures and obstructions. He stressed that maintaining clean and clear roads was crucial for public convenience and safety.
“We will ensure that public spaces remain accessible to everyone. Roads must be free from encroachments so that citizens can commute without trouble,” he said.
Additionally, the NDMC plans to install CCTV cameras across its jurisdiction to enhance security, especially for women. “Public safety is non-negotiable. Increased surveillance will help ensure a safer environment for all,” Verma said.
Apart from infrastructure improvements, the NDMC also approved significant administrative reforms. Recruitment rules for multiple civic positions were updated.
The Vaccinator Cadre, which had not seen revised hiring regulations since 1972-73, underwent modernisation to strengthen public health services.
Similarly, the Public Relations (PR) department was reorganised, with new job roles introduced, such as Joint Director, Assistant Director, Information and Publicity Officer, and Information and Publicity Assistant.
Recognising the urgent need for veterinary services, the council also framed new recruitment rules for Veterinary and Livestock Inspectors. Due to the absence of notified regulations, these positions had remained unfilled for years. The newly approved rules align with Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) guidelines.
