DJB budget: Privatise water distribution
After the privatisation of electricity distribution, it now seems imminent for water distribution to take the same turn as Delhi Jal Board in its annual budget, presented to chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday, has proposed to undertake reform in Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode step-by-step of the city.
The DJB budget proposes to involve the private sector in overall management, maintenance and distribution of water.
The DJB has also earmarked a plan outlay of `1,716.28 crores to improve and modernise water distribution network and sewer system.
As per the DJB proposal, the private sector would be involved in water distribution, management and maintenance for Malviya Nagar, Vasant Vihar and Nangloi areas of the city on the PPP mode. The private parties would be paid a fee for their services. The DJB had earlier given the work of billing of water consumption in one zone to a private firm.
Mrs Dikshit, while speaking during the Question Hour in the Budget Session of the Assembly, had stated that “reform” in the water sector can revolutionise on the lines of the power distribution.
The Opposition BJP had cautioned the people of the impending move of the city government to privatise the water distribution in the capital and even stated that high water bills received by the consumers are part of the exercise to eventually privatise water distribution.
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