NEW DELHI: Buckling under mounting public criticism for succumbing to pressure from the World Bank on privatisation of the water sector in Delhi, the Sheila Dikshit Government is understood to have decided to put the entire recommendations as well as the 24X7 water scheme on hold for the time being.

It has also been decided to place the report in the public domain and invite suggestions from experts, non-government organisations and people on the recommendations.

Sources in the Delhi Government said the decision not to go ahead with implementation of the World Bank report recommendations prepared by private consultants Price Waterhouse Cooper for the water sector in Delhi was taken by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who is also the chairperson of the Delhi Jal Board, after a meeting with a large number of NGOs and social activist and Magsaysay Award winner Aruna Roy.

`Open to suggestions'

Shedding her earlier reluctance and opposition, Ms. Dikshit is also understood to have issued directions to put all the recommendations on hold, including the draft report on the website, throwing the whole issue open to public debate. "We are not that stupid to accept all the recommendations of the World Bank. We are open to suggestions and other ways to deal with this serious situation in the Capital. If people and voluntary groups can do that, it is all the more welcome," Ms.Dikshit is understood to have told the delegation.

Along with the other recommendations including hike in water tariffs, splitting of various zones and privatising entire distribution and billing network, the pilot project of 24X7 water supply scheme for Zone II and III in South Delhi has also been put on hold till everything is sorted out.

The scheme was to be implemented, according to the plan, this month itself but was termed as a sell-out by the voluntary groups and water activists.

The matter had also attracted the attention of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia reportedly felt that NGOs and social activists on water reforms should be satisfied before any approval was given to the World Bank plans.

`Sensitive matter'

"We told the Chief Minister that water is a very sensitive matter and should be dealt with very carefully. It was a cordial meeting and she was receptive to some of our suggestions. She asked us to suggest any other method for improving the water situation in the Capital and asserted that they had not accepted any of the recommendations of the World Bank. We are not experts on the issue but we will certainly look for people's participation in this initiative including the Bhagidari network of the Delhi Government. There is an urgent need for people's participation in such projects rather than opt for privatisation knowing very well that these multinational companies have failed miserably when implementing such projects in other countries," Ms. Aruna Roy stated.

Another well-known social activist who has campaigned against privatisation of water sector, Vandana Shiva, said the Delhi Government had been forced to take such a stand out of compulsion following protests and debates.

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