We're taking along all stakeholders

Delhi Jal Board CEO Debashree Mukherjee talked to HT about the water supply in PPP mode in three pilot areas and related issues. Nivedita Khandekar reports.

Delhi Jal Board CEO Debashree Mukherjee talked to HT about the water supply in PPP mode in three pilot areas and related issues. Excerpts:

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There have been no public hearings. Why are Delhiites not clued in?
It's untrue. We have held Bhagidari meetings with RWAs in pilot project areas. We have also involved the local MPs, MLAs and local DJB staff.

Why have you chosen Nagpur model over Hubli-Dharwad model?
We are trying out both. In Malviya Nagar, the operator will bring in equity. In case of Mehrauli and Vasant Vihar, it is only operation and maintenance. The execution and commissioning include building UGRs and pipeline replacements.

How will involvement of multiple agencies affect work?
We already have 'cut and restore' permissions for roads in pilot project areas. Also, against the existing provisions of DJB Act, we would take responsibility to check and change the ferrule and consumer's meters.

You would give more water to those paying more
Tariff setting can be a means of demand management if there are apprehensions that more one pays, more he can use. Awareness brings down water wastage.