In a major boost to sanitation infrastructure in South Delhi, the Delhi Jal Board has launched a long-awaited sewer development project in 11 unauthorised colonies across Deoli and Ambedkar Nagar. The ₹31.31 crore project aims to lay nearly 25 kilometres of underground sewer lines, benefiting around 3 lakh residents who have lived without a proper sewer system for years.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by Delhi’s Water and PWD Minister Pravesh Verma, marking a renewed effort to address one of the root causes of pollution in the Yamuna River.
Stopping Sewage at the Source
Officials said the project’s primary objective is to prevent untreated domestic wastewater from flowing directly into open drains, which eventually empty into the Yamuna. For years, the absence of sewer facilities in these unauthorised colonies has meant that household sewage was discharged into stormwater drains, worsening river pollution and posing serious health risks to local residents.
“The most effective way to clean the Yamuna is to stop sewage at its source,” the minister said, adding that this project directly tackles that problem. He assured residents that funding, accountability, and monitoring mechanisms have now been put in place to ensure timely and quality execution.
A Project Delayed for Years
The sewer project was originally approved in 2018 and was supposed to be completed by May 2020. However, progress stalled over the years. Of the planned 57 kilometres of sewer lines, only about 32 kilometres were laid earlier, leaving most colonies without coverage. As a result, only five out of the 16 identified colonies received partial sewer facilities, while the rest continued to discharge wastewater into open drains.
Under the current phase, the Delhi Jal Board will take up the remaining work in “mission mode,” officials said.
Technical Details and Timeline
Project cost: Rs 31.31 crore
Length of sewer lines: ~25 km
Pipe diameter: 300 mm to 700 mm
Completion timeline: 9 months
Estimated beneficiaries: ~3,00,000 people
Once completed, the project is expected to significantly improve public health, reduce waterlogging, and strengthen Delhi’s overall sanitation network.
Colonies Covered Under the Project
The project will cover unauthorised colonies including Khanpur Extension Abadi (F-Block), Duggal Housing Complex (School Road, Khanpur), Raju Park (C-Block, Deoli), Jawahar Park (Khanpur–Deoli Road), Duggal Colony (Khanpur Extension Part-II), Krishna Park and its extension, Tigri Extension Phase-II, and Tigri Extension in Ambedkar Nagar.
Step Toward Cleaner Delhi
Urban planners and environmental experts believe that expanding sewer coverage in unauthorised colonies is critical for long-term river cleaning efforts. By intercepting sewage before it reaches drains, the project could play a meaningful role in reducing the pollution load entering the Yamuna.
For residents, the initiative brings long-awaited relief and the promise of improved hygiene, dignity, and quality of life.
