The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is set to review two significant urban development projects in its upcoming apex body meeting scheduled for Friday. These projects, which initially received approval in March, include the reconstruction of the Shivaji Bus Terminus-cum-commercial complex and the construction of a decentralised waste treatment facility at Kushak Nullah. Sources indicate that these proposals are likely to undergo revisions, underscoring the council’s commitment to ensuring optimal resource utilisation and project feasibility.
A detailed presentation will be made to NDMC council members, providing an opportunity to scrutinise the projects’ components, intricacies, and financial outlays. The decentralised waste treatment facility, a key part of the central government’s Namami Gange initiative, aims to treat untreated water from the Kushak Nullah before it rejoins the drainage system. This initiative is crucial for mitigating pollution in stormwater drains and enhancing their ecological health prior to their confluence with the Yamuna River.
The proposed plant has a capacity of 10 million litres per day (MLD). However, officials have noted that for most of the year, the actual water flow in the drain is only about 30% of the proposed capacity, reaching full capacity solely during the monsoon season. “Given these observations, a revision of the proposal is imperative,” commented an NDMC official. The plant, fully funded by the central government, is anticipated to significantly enhance water quality in areas ranging from Sardar Patel Marg to Kamal Attaturk Marg and their vicinities. Moreover, the decentralised wastewater system will be maintained for a span of 12 years, with plans by NDMC to commence selling treated water to nearby hotels and restaurants starting from the second year of operation. Notably, only a portion of the Kushak Nullah falls under NDMC jurisdiction, with the remainder managed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
In parallel, the proposal for the redevelopment of the Shivaji Bus Terminus-cum-commercial complex will be revisited. The initial plan involved partnering with Delhi Metro for construction, but consensus on engaging an external agency remains elusive. This issue will be a focal point of discussion at the meeting. Additionally, the council will evaluate a proposal concerning the collection, transportation, and disposal of construction and demolition waste from NDMC areas. This project is estimated at Rs 52.8 crore and involves engaging an agency for five years, with a possible extension of two years. As the NDMC prepares to deliberate on these critical infrastructure initiatives, the emphasis remains on ensuring that the projects align with the city’s evolving needs and sustainability goals.
