Delhi Receives Rs800 Crore Central Grant For Sewer Network Expansion
Delhi, the central government has allocated ₹800 crore to the city under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 scheme. This significant funding aims to strengthen the sewage network, particularly in unauthorized colonies, and to curb the flow of untreated wastewater into the Yamuna River. The Delhi government plans to utilize these funds to install approximately 2.5 lakh new sewer connections and advance initiatives such as recycling 50 million litres of water daily, alongside increasing overall sewage treatment capacity.
The project is designed to tackle the issue of untreated water discharge from over 410 unauthorized colonies and more than 100 urban villages across seven assembly constituencies, benefiting an estimated 35 lakh residents. While the Centre provides ₹804 crore under the scheme, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will arrange the remaining funds required for the comprehensive project. A major objective is to significantly increase the overall sewage treatment capacity to prevent untreated discharge into the Yamuna.
Recently, the expenditure finance committee under the Union Ministry of Finance approved a DJB proposal valued at ₹3,105 crore, specifically for constructing 40 decentralized sewage treatment plants and extending sewer lines in Outer Delhi. The Centre has further advised the Delhi government to conduct regular audits of existing sewage treatment plants to ensure their optimum utilization. A holistic approach to Yamuna rejuvenation and septage management, including a clear strategy for sludge processing and reuse, has also been recommended.
For the 2025-26 budget, the Delhi government has earmarked ₹9,000 crore for the water and sewerage sector, with an additional ₹500 crore designated for the repair of sewage treatment plants. Currently, 18 of the 37 sewage treatment plants under DJB are undergoing upgrades to enhance their treatment capacity. The DJB is also progressing with its Interceptor Sewer Project, designed to trap various drains and divert wastewater to the nearest treatment plants, although several drains continue to discharge directly into the Yamuna.
Across Delhi, this substantial central funding under AMRUT 2.0, coupled with the Delhi government’s dedicated efforts, signals a robust push towards universal sewage connectivity and a cleaner Yamuna River. The comprehensive infrastructure upgrades and focus on sustainable water management initiatives promise improved public health and environmental quality for the city’s residents.
