City rolls out summer action plan with push for water reliability

Delhi’s water management system received a major policy push with the launch of the Summer Action Plan 2026–27 at the Delhi Jal Board auditorium. The plan focuses on strengthening supply, improving transparency and preparing infrastructure for future demand. As part of the rollout, the government introduced a chatbot, an advanced CRM system and the Delhi Jal Board 1916 mobile app to connect residents directly with services and improve accountability. Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the initiative goes beyond administration and reflects a broader responsibility towards citizens.

Highlighting the importance of the Yamuna, the minister said the river represents the essence of Delhi and its condition directly affects the quality of life in the city. He noted that ensuring clean and sufficient water supply is essential for public trust and must be treated as a shared responsibility across all levels of governance. He also called for greater sensitivity and accountability among officials. The plan sets a target of maintaining around 1002 million gallons per day of water production during the summer months. Water treatment plants across the city are operating at full capacity, with continuous monitoring of raw water quality to prevent disruptions. Upgrades to aging pumps and machinery are underway to stabilise supply, while areas facing recurring shortages have been identified for focused intervention.

To improve availability, the tube well network is being expanded with the addition of new units, aimed at boosting local water access. Steps such as cleaning reservoirs, strengthening maintenance systems and tightening control over leakages are also being implemented to improve distribution efficiency. The tanker system, often criticised in the past, is being restructured with an emphasis on transparency. While it is not seen as a long-term solution, it will continue to play a role where pipeline networks are not yet in place. To address concerns over tanker operations, GPS tracking, real-time monitoring and digital route mapping are being introduced to ensure that deliveries reach the correct locations. The goal is to provide dependable service even in areas lacking pipeline connectivity.