Delhi's Wazirabad Water Plant to Double Storage Capacity Through New Desilting Drive.

Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma recently announced a major desilting initiative at the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant (WTP), aimed at doubling its current storage capacity within the next six weeks.

Speaking during an inspection of the plant, Verma said that while the facility has a designed capacity of 220 million gallons per day (MGD), silt accumulation along a one-kilometre stretch has limited its current holding to just around 100 MGD. “Desilting work has already been ordered, and once complete, the plant will be able to operate at full capacity,” he said.

During the visit, Verma drank treated water from the plant and assured residents that it is safe and potable. He noted that the total dissolved solids (TDS) level from the Wazirabad barrage stood at 170 — well within the safe limits prescribed by the World Health Organization and Indian standards.

Despite Delhi receiving sufficient water from neighbouring states, the minister emphasised the need to strengthen storage and prevent leakages. He said the government is preparing a long-term master plan for water management covering the next 50 years and is actively working to regulate ammonia levels in the Yamuna.

To improve transparency and oversight, Verma announced the development of an IT dashboard to monitor real-time data on water intake and discharge from all water purification (WTP) and sewage treatment plants (STP) in the city. He said 30 sewage treatment plants under the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) require consistent monitoring.

The minister also highlighted efforts to curb pollution and illegal encroachments along the Yamuna riverbank, including a request to the Territorial Army to assist with enforcement.

Taking a swipe at the previous Kejriwal-led administration, Verma said, “I didn’t visit anyone’s home with a 20-litre Bisleri bottle for a photo op. I drank the same water that’s being supplied to Delhi homes. We are committed to delivering clean and safe water transparently.”

Verma added that he will personally inspect every WTP and STP across the city to ensure strict compliance and operational efficiency.

ET