To cut bills, Delhi Jal Board to tap solar power

NEW DELHI: Delhi Jal Board has decided to install rooftop solar panels to generate solar energy to meet its power needs. The Board's chairperson Kapil Mishra on Friday announced that this project would save the water utility about Rs 3 crore per annum in the long run.

"DJB's highest expenditure is on power with the average yearly bill being Rs 540 crore. Tariff is increasing at 10 per cent per annum and will become unsustainable. To reduce expenditure on power, the Board has approved grid connected rooftop photo voltaic systems at different places. DJB is already using biogas at various sewage treatment plants," said Mishra.

To generate more revenue, DJB will also be renting out space for installation of mobile towers and advertising on buildings and water tankers.

The Board also approved the rehabilitation plan of the oldest Chandrawal water treatment plant at a cost of Rs 711.55 crore. Funded by JICA, the completed project will result in 24X7 water supply to Chandni Chowk, Pahari Diraj, Idgah, Civil Lines, Karol Bagh, Kamla Nagar, Malkaganj, Rajinder Nagar, Shadipur, Patel Nagar and Naraina.

DJB will also increase the number of flats on a plot entitled to individual connections from six to 10. "This move will impact those living in multi-storey flats. For more than six flats, they had to take bulk connections," said an official.

A new scheme, Jan Jal Prabandhan Yojana, has been started for decentralized water supply to unauthorized colonies. Six projects will be taken up on pilot basis in Gautampuri near Aali Gaon, Aya Nagar village, Sai Nagar, Kair Village, Sonia Vihar A-Block and Begam Vihar B-Block. Estimated to cost Rs 95.32 crore, the project will be completed in 24 months, which includes a trial-run period of three months.

DJB will also start work on reducing pollution in Najafgarh drain. Approval has also been given for construction of a 70MGD waste water treatment plant at Coronation Pillar, which will have a lifespan of over 40 years.