New Delhi: Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has approved a series of projects focusing on billing reforms, sewer connectivity and pollution control in Yamuna. They are aimed at addressing long-standing issues over water services and restoring public confidence.Chaired by water minister Parvesh Verma, these projects target everyday problems faced by residents, including inflated water bills, faulty or non-functional meters, irregular delivery of water and lack of sewer infrastructure in several colonies. A key decision is the rollout of a city-wide door-to-door e-KYC and digital database update drive covering around 35 lakh consumers. Estimated at Rs 60 crore, the initiative will introduce technology-enabled meter readings with photo capture technology, GPS tagging and proof of submission of bills. The move is aimed at eliminating discrepancies in billing and ensuring accountability in delivery of services, officials said, adding it is expected to create verified digital records for all registered consumers within six months, thereby reducing disputes and improving efficiency.The minister said the initiative seeks to address these gaps at the ground level and build a transparent and reliable system. In a major push for sanitation infrastructure, DJB has approved large-scale ‘house service sewer connections’ in Kirari and adjoining areas. The project will cover multiple catchments, including Pratap Vihar, Prem Nagar and Bhagya Vihar, benefiting several lakh residents across dozens of colonies and villages.The officials said the project will provide relief to households that have long depended on inadequate and unhygienic arrangements due to the absence of proper sewer systems, and is expected to improve public health conditions and contribute to cleaner neighbourhoods.Regarding river rejuvenation, DJB cleared some measures aimed at curbing pollution in Yamuna at source. They include a Rs 71-crore project for in-situ treatment of wastewater in Delhi Gate drain. In addition, the pondage area upstream of Wazirabad barrage will be revived to enhance water quality and storage capacity. The focus is on intercepting and treating sewage before it enters the river, a key step in ongoing efforts to clean the flow, the officials said.
