NEW DELHI: The Palla floodplain project, initiated five years ago by Delhi’s irrigation and flood control (IFC) department to capture excess river water, has come to a halt. Sources indicate that the project, which aimed to recharge groundwater by collecting floodwater, is currently facing significant challenges due to excessive silt accumulation.
In 2019, a 26-acre pond was constructed as part of the project, and a government report highlighted that it had recharged 740 million gallons of groundwater in the 2022-23 period. However, plans to expand the pond area to 1,000 acres and install additional tubewells on the floodplain have encountered obstacles. Last November, Water Minister Atishi inspected the project and announced the government’s intention to install 200 tubewells in Palla to address the city’s water shortage. Despite these plans, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has reported delays. Although tubewells are being sunk, the broader floodplain project, which was expected to significantly enhance Delhi’s water resources, has been postponed. IFC officials have identified heavy silting in the floodwater collection pits as a major issue. One official stated, “As per the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order, we conducted a pilot project and assessed it over four years. We discovered two major problems: one being the accumulation of silt. If the pond area is increased, policymakers will need to decide where to collect and dump the silt.” The official further explained that regulations prohibit the removal of river soil from the site, complicating the issue.
“To create the existing pond, we had to utilise 17 acres of land just to hold the soil that was dug up. Consequently, the terrain is now uneven, reducing the overall benefits of the project,” the official added. “We will submit all these observations to NGT before making any decisions on continuing with the project.” The primary goal of the Palla project, as outlined by the Delhi government, is to collect floodwater and use it throughout the year to boost the water table. A water expert associated with the project noted that the initial pilots were very successful. “The plan after three pilots was to expand the project to 1,000 acres of the floodplain. Each monsoon season, the project increased water storage by an average of 1,000 million gallons. The only task for IFC is to desilt the pits,” the expert stated.
The state government had also emphasised that the project would not only benefit Delhi but serve as a model for other states facing drought and water scarcity. Every monsoon, the Yamuna floods, resulting in millions of litres of water overflowing its banks. The project was designed to ensure that this water did not go to waste. On Wednesday, DJB reported a total water production of 926 MGD from all the water treatment plants and tubewells. “Our responsibility at Palla is to operate tubewells, and we are doing that,” claimed a water official. “New tubewells had to be dug, and that is also being undertaken.” The Palla floodplain project, despite its initial success, now stands at a crossroads. The challenge of managing silt accumulation must be addressed to fully realise the project’s potential in mitigating Delhi’s perennial water scarcity.
