The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has taken a landmark decision to strengthen Delhi’s water and sanitation infrastructure with a strong focus on sustainability, transparency, and long-term planning. At its 176th board meeting held on January 21, 2026, DJB approved 600 EV tankers as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at improving water delivery in water-stressed areas while curbing pollution and unregulated practices.
Clean Mobility Meets Water Security
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the approval for deploying 600 electric vehicle-mounted water tankers across the capital. According to the plan, DJB approves 600 EV tankers under a dual-supply model. Of these, 300 tankers will supply free water to residential colonies, particularly in underserved and water-scarce areas. The remaining 300 will cater to commercial and institutional users on a regulated, paid basis, bringing formal oversight to a sector long dominated by an unregulated grey market.
All EV tankers will be equipped with stainless steel tanks to ensure water quality, GPS-based tracking for real-time monitoring, and app-based booking systems that allow citizens to track deliveries transparently. The shift from diesel to electric vehicles is also expected to significantly reduce air pollution caused by conventional tanker operations.
Ending Ad-Hoc Systems, Building Permanent Solutions
Water Minister Parvesh Verma, who chaired the meeting, emphasised that the government is moving away from temporary arrangements toward permanent, systemic solutions. By approving this initiative, DJB approves 600 EV tankers to ensure safe, transparent, and environmentally responsible water distribution, especially during peak summer months.
Strengthening Raw Water Availability
To improve raw water storage, the board approved scientific desilting and restoration of the pondage area at the Wazirabad barrage. Years of silt accumulation had reduced its storage capacity. Notably, the desilted material will be sold by the contractor, generating an estimated ₹25 crore in revenue for DJB—turning a routine expense into a financial gain.
Sewerage, Yamuna Rejuvenation and Long-Term Planning
The board also cleared house sewer connection projects in colonies such as Sangam Nagar, Ranhola, Wazirabad, and Begumpur. These projects will add around 2 lakh new connections and benefit nearly 1.25 lakh residents by replacing open drains and unsafe waste disposal systems.
Another key approval was the Zindpur Decentralised Sewage Treatment Project, featuring a 15 MGD treatment plant to intercept untreated sewage flowing into the Yamuna from areas around Narela, Burari, and Badli. Over 4.17 lakh people across 33 colonies and 14 villages are expected to benefit.
Additionally, consultancy services for preparing and revalidating the Water Master Plan 2051 were approved, outlining a long-term roadmap for water supply augmentation and infrastructure modernisation. A ₹220 crore drain project for Kirari was also cleared to manage sewage and rainwater effectively.
A Comprehensive Reform Agenda
With these decisions, DJB approves 600 EV tankers as part of a comprehensive push toward clean mobility, environmental accountability, and equitable water access—marking a transformative phase in Delhi’s water governance.
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