Now Reading: Delhi plans Tehri water diversion to boost Yamuna flow by 1,300 cusecs
-
01
Delhi plans Tehri water diversion to boost Yamuna flow by 1,300 cusecs
The Delhi government is planning to increase the Yamuna's environmental flow by 1,300 cusecs by routing water through the Tehri Dam reservoir to the Hindon river, and separately reducing transmission losses in a canal network supplying the capital. A senior Delhi government official said a presentation reviewed by the government also includes diverting 500 cusecs to the Yamuna through a proposed 29-km pipeline, aiming to ensure 1,800 cusecs is available at Okhla Barrage.
The Delhi Jal Board has issued a letter of intent to Water and Power Consultancy Services to prepare a detailed project report, expected by October this year, which the government will then submit to the ministry of housing and urban affairs. A joint survey by DJB and Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam was conducted on June 29. Separately, the government is working with Haryana's irrigation department to repair the Delhi sub-branch canal system, where nearly 30% of the 330 cusecs released for drinking water is lost before reaching the city.
A broader plan includes six projects across Delhi zones, with an estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore, funded through the urban challenge fund, DJB contributions, and loans from HUDCO and NABARD. The government is also planning to regulate groundwater extraction and finalise a new policy. These measures collectively aim to increase the Yamuna's lean-season flow and improve the efficiency of Delhi's water supply system.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Delhi's water crisis is perennial, with the Yamuna carrying barely enough flow during summer to dilute sewage and sustain aquatic life. The Tehri Dam, completed in 2006 on the Bhagirathi in Uttarakhand, primarily generates hydropower, and diverting its stored water involves complex interstate agreements under the upper Yamuna River Board. The 30% canal loss is typical of ageing open channels: lining them can cut losses to below 10%, but cost-sharing between Delhi and Haryana has historically been a sticking point. The Rs 15,000 crore estimate, if approved, would be one of the largest single water infrastructure spends for the capital. Watch for the project report deadline in October: if delayed, the lean-season flow target for next summer will slip.
The key next step is the detailed project report due this October.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
