The Hindu : New Delhi News : Work on interceptor sewer system likely to start by August-end

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Tuesday, Jun 21, 2011
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Work on interceptor sewer system likely to start by August-end

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Work on the Delhi Jal Board's ambitious interceptor sewer system that is aimed at preventing untreated sewage from the city's drains from falling into the Yamuna is likely to start by the end of August. On Monday Jal Board officials said the work is on track and the agency has received applications from 18 companies for undertaking the work.

Addressing the media on Monday, DJB Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Negi said tenders have been received and work will begin after the monsoon season. “Eighteen companies have shown interest for the six packages (the interceptor sewer system has been divided into six packages). The rates are competitive and we hope once the rains are over, work can start immediately,” said Mr. Negi.

The CEO said the project has the approval of the Union as well as the Delhi Cabinet and the requisite environment clearances. “There is no shortage of funds; we will get Rs. 436 crore from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. And once the work is undertaken, we should be able to restore the river by 2015,” he said.

As envisaged, the interceptor sewer system will tap untreated sewage from three major drains and release treated sewage into the Yamuna. Untreated effluents from the city's other drains will be tapped at the Ring Road trunk sewer before being sent to Okhla for treatment.

“At present the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the river is 40, but by 2015 we hope to bring it down to 12 BOD,” the CEO said.

On the issue of improving the water supply in the city, the DJB chief said a new 20 MLD capacity underground reservoir will be inaugurated on July 8 Avantika, which will improve the water supply in North Delhi.

He said rehabilitation work on the trunk-sewers will be over by June 30 and the problem of overflowing sewers will not be faced during the monsoons.

The DJB CEO said a pilot project to usher in reforms in management and distribution of water in three areas of the city is also being undertaken on a public private partnership basis in Malviya Nagar, Nangloi and Vasant Vihar.

Mr. Negi said to check revenue losses the Board is procuring 2.5 lakh more meters to be installed in the command area of the Sonia Vihar treatment plant .

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