The Delhi government is preparing a comprehensive Water Master Plan aimed at modernising the capital’s ageing drinking water distribution system and fixing long-standing issues in the city’s water supply.

Delhi plans a structural reset of its ageing water supply network

The plan is expected to bring structural reforms to the network managed by the Delhi Jal Board, which has faced problems such as leakage, contamination and uneven water distribution for years. Officials say the initiative will focus on upgrading infrastructure, improving water quality and ensuring a more reliable supply across the city. The overhaul is also meant to address growing demand as Delhi’s population continues to expand and pressure on existing pipelines increases.

Also Read | LPG shortage forces 75-year-old Delhi chole bhature landmark to close

Focus on infrastructure upgrades and better distribution

As part of the proposed master plan, authorities will study the current water infrastructure and assess future requirements. The government has appointed consultants to analyse water sources, pipeline conditions, supply gaps and long-term demand in order to design a comprehensive system for the future.

The plan may also involve bringing private companies into certain operational roles. These firms could be responsible for repairing and replacing ageing pipelines, managing distribution networks in specific zones and improving billing and revenue collection systems. Officials say tenders may be floated within a year for private players to manage different command centres of the water network. Each company could be assigned a specific zone to oversee supply management and infrastructure maintenance.

Also Read | Pakistani terrorist killed in joint Army–J&K Police operation in Uri

Delhi currently produces roughly 900 million gallons of water per day, while the city’s demand is estimated to be around 1,200 million gallons per day, highlighting the growing gap between supply and demand. The new master plan is expected to address these structural challenges through better infrastructure planning and more efficient water management.

Once implemented, the initiative could mark one of the most significant reforms in Delhi’s water sector, aimed at delivering cleaner, more reliable drinking water and building a system capable of meeting the capital’s future needs.