DJB to build 73 UGRs to tide over water problem: Shiela

New Delhi, Oct 19 (UNI) Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said that the Delhi Jal Board will construct 73 more underground reservoirs (UGRs) and booster pumping stations (BPS) in the capital to ensure adequate pressure supply of water.

She was speaking after laying the foundation stone of underground reservoirs and booster pumping stations at Bawana and Qutubgarh in Outer Delhi.

She said as the population of Delhi is increasing day-by-day, it was very difficult to provide sufficient water to 16 million people.

''Inspite of best efforts of the Government, Delhi has not been getting equal proportion of share of water from UP and Haryana,'' she said.

She said her Government has been in talks with the Governments of these States and has sought the help of Central Government to intervene in the matter.

For the new UGRs and BPS, the DJB will spend Rs 263 crore for this purpose.

She also said laying sewer in rural areas will start soon.

Speaking about the two UGRs for which the foundation stone was laid, the Chief Minister said the UGR at Qutubgarh would be constructed at a cost of Rs 696 lakh and is scheduled to be completed within 18 months.

The one at Bawana with a capacity of 271 lakh litre, will be built at a cost of Rs 1500 lakh and will also be completed within 18 months.

She also said her Government was considering to increase compensation amount of acquired land of farmers. A high level committee has already been constituted to look into the matter, she added.

UNI