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WB to offer Rs 16 billion for Delhi projects

The World Bank has agreed to provide funds to the tune of Rs 16.25 billion for Delhi government's projects for construction of underground reservoirs, rehabilitation of existing water distribution system, water treatment plants and sewage lines.

Addressing reporters in New Delhi, Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma said that recommending the projects to the World Bank for its final approval was a significant achievement in view of the economic sanctions against the country following the nuclear tests.

Singh said the World Bank had decided to sanction on a priority basis the first instalment of loan amounting to Rs 6.64 billion to establish proper and efficient water distribution system for the old as well as new areas of the megapolis, under which the undergorund water reservoirs will be constructed.

All the reservoirs would be interconnected so that water could be supplied the booster pumps throughout the day taking into account the present need of 800 million gallon daily instead of the existing 600 MGD, he said.

As per the state government's plan, construction work of four out of total 16 underground reservoirs have been already completed and another four are under construction. While the construction work of the rest would be launched in the current year, he added.

Verma said the WB-aided projects would be completed within five to ten years. The government has also decided to rehabilitate all old sewerage systems of the walled city as per the master plan.

Of the two methods of water availability in Delhi -- potable and tubewell water-- due to contamination, tubewell water can not be use for drinking purposes. However, he said the government has decided to put tubewell water into use for other purposes.

The second scheme estimated to cost Rs 9.6 billion envisages laying of a network to supply tubewell water, renovation and rehabilitation of the old water treatment plants and enhancing the engineering and consultation services, he said.

It has been decided to set up Water Regulatory Commission to fix tariff in Delhi, he announced.

UNI