Chairing the first meeting of the expenditure finance committee, chief minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday approved the construction of 27 decentralised sewage treatment plants for ₹3,140 crore. She also approved the setting up of charging stations for electric buses at bus depots and the interstate bus terminal in Dwarka, apart from allocating ₹148.58 crore for building a high-security prison in Narela.
The meeting was attended by all cabinet ministers and senior officers from all departments concerned. Gupta said the decisions would serve as a ‘milestone’ in making Delhi a better city and were a step towards the holistic and inclusive development of the national capital.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, CM said that the Yamuna was Delhi’s lifeline and its cleaning and conservation were her govt’s top priorities. ‘The project includes a multiphase and multi-agency plan covering drain treatment, expansion of the sewerage network, and establishment of modern STPs. Continuing this effort, govt approved the construction of 27 decentralised STPs under a project costing ₹3,140 crore,’ Gupta said, adding that the project included terminal safety and professional services, a 10MGD STP at Delhi Gate, and works related to operation and maintenance.
‘The project also includes laying sewer lines under these decentralised STPs, providing household sewer connections, and carrying out all related technical works. Through them, most colonies will be relieved from the rising water pollution, foul odour and falling groundwater levels,’ CM said.
‘Govt is ensuring that no untreated wastewater flows into the Yamuna. Its rejuvenation is not merely an environmental goal, but also a responsibility to future generations that is being carried out with seriousness and urgency,’ she added.
The STPs will be installed in areas such as Mundka, Narela, Bawana, Auchandi, Tajpur Khurd, Kanjhawala, Ghevda village, Jaunapur and Bijwasan, and will be completed within 18 months after the tender is awarded.
CM said the high-tech and high-security jail was planned in Narela to modernise Delhi’s prison system and ensure effective management. She said the jail would be built on around 40 acres and accommodate 256 prisoners. To strengthen Delhi’s transportation system, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited will be given ₹107 crore to set up electric bus charging stations at Cluster Depot-I & II, ISBT Sector-22 and DTC Depot Sector-8 in Dwarka.
‘These schemes will bring transformation across all basic sectors such as water, transport and environment,’ Gupta said.
