Delhi opens doors for private players in water sector

The Delhi Government has initiated much-awaited reforms in water sector by opening doors for private entities in management, maintenance and distribution of water in several areas of the city.

A board meeting of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) on November 28, which was chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, approved a long-pending proposal to involve private sector in three pilot projects in the command areas of Malviya Nagar, Vasant Vihar and Nangloi underground reservoirs and water treatment plants.

The move, which has been expected to several months, comes in the wake of the successful privatisation of power distribution in the city-state.

The Delhi Government has finally bit the bullet, even though there has been much opposition to its move to privatise power distribution. And, over the past few since private distcoms started distributing power, it cannot be conclusively said, as yet, that the move has been for the better.

But, in the case of water, some operations, including supply of water in underfed areas through roping in private tanker suppliers, have had mixed results.

Delhi would now join a growing list of cities across India, in which water distribution, billing and management of non-revenue water (NRW) is being handed over to the private sector while local water utilities or municipal bodies retain the power to increase water charges with them.

Also, since infrastructure assets would remain with the Government, it would be worthwhile to watch how privatisation helps in getting water to the thirsty in the national Capital.