UP agrees to supply water, still to reach capital

New Delhi, May 21 : Even as Uttar Pradesh has agreed to release water to parched national capital in lieu of additional power, water is still to reach the city's Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plant.

Feeling a power crunch following warnings from the Central Electricity Regulatory Authority for 'over-drawing' power from the northern grid and its subsequent non-availability, UP agreed the Centre's formula to release Delhi's share of water in lieu of getting additional electricity.

UP has agreed to release about 80 cu of water and the increase the quantity of water over the next few months in a phased manner.

The 140 million gallon per day capacity plant would initially use the water for 'flushing' and was expected to become fully-operational by June end, sources said here today.

However, no official intimation or water had been received so far from the neighbouring state, they added.

Supply of water from the plant would ameliorate the suffering residents of South and East Delhi who had been facing the brunt of short and irregular water supply for years. The capital required about 900 mgd of water everyday, while it currently produced only 700 mgd.

Delhi government had entered into an agreement with UP Flood and Irrigation department following construction of the Sonia Vihar plant, at a cost of Rs 750 crore, in 2004 for supply of 300 cu of water daily received from the Tehri reservoir in Uttarchal.

However, the capital received 80 cu of water for two-and-half months from December 2004 but nothing thereafter despite many requests and assurances and even 'intervention' by the Prime Minister.

But now hope had once again arisen and Delhiites are waiting.

UNI