Delhi: confusion over who maintains pipelines

A war of words erupts between the consumers and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) every time people start falling ill after consuming contaminated water.

A war of words erupts between the consumers and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) every time people start falling ill after consuming contaminated water.

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While Delhiites blame the DJB and expect it to take care of leaking pipelines, the agency claims that contamination mostly happens at the consumers’ end and that it is their (consumer’s) responsibility to change the ferrule.

A ferrule is the point where consumers’ pipe connects with the main supply pipeline.

Sanjam Chima, DJB’s Consultant (PR), cites the provisions of the Delhi Jal Board Act, 1998, for it. As per a clause titled ‘Power to require water supply to be taken and to require maintenance of service pipes’, consumers are supposed to lay the delivery pipe for every sanctioned connection through a licensed plumber at their own cost from the main to their homes, including the ferrule.

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Also, the Act say that it is the duty of the consumer to maintain, repair and replace, whenever required, such delivery pipes at his own cost. Customers are to get these pipes inspected at their cost once in 15 years.

Ankush Wohra, president of New Delhi South Extension I (NDSE I) RWA, however, finds this logic weird. “If the DJB changes or repairs it, that will ensure uniformity.

Otherwise someone can put a bigger ferrule for more water. If the DJB Act actually doesn’t permit it, the relevant provisions should be changed.”