Delhi Boosts Yamuna Flow, Tackles Canal Losses

Delhi's government is initiating a significant plan to augment the Yamuna River's water supply, aiming to increase its environmental flow by 1,800 cusecs. This ambitious project involves routing water from the Tehri Dam reservoir to the Hindon River. Additionally, a proposed 29-kilometer pipeline is set to divert another 500 cusecs directly to the Yamuna.

The Delhi Jal Board has commissioned a detailed project report for this initiative, with completion expected by October. This report will subsequently be submitted to the ministry of housing and urban affairs. A joint survey by the Delhi Jal Board and Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam has already been conducted to support these plans.

Concurrently, efforts are being made to significantly reduce water transmission losses within the canal network supplying Delhi, known as the Delhi sub-branch system. Currently, substantial amounts of water are lost before reaching the city, with approximately 30% of the 330 cusecs released being lost. The government is collaborating with Haryana's irrigation department on repairs and rehabilitation of this system.

The broader water infrastructure development plan for Delhi encompasses six projects estimated at Rs 15,000 crore. Funding is anticipated through a combination of urban challenge funds, Delhi government contributions, and loans from financial institutions like HUDCO and NABARD. The government is also finalizing a new policy to regulate groundwater extraction within the capital.