Delhi Jal Board head Kapil Mishra speaks to Damini Nath about how the water utility plans on tackling the summer.
What did you learn from last summer's experience?
Last year, we started as soon as the government came to power in February. We held meetings with all MLAs to understand what the problems were in their constituencies. We met all chief engineers to find out what the vulnerable areas were, where we would have trouble giving continuous supply. We were able to have a focused approach, which is something we intend on doing this year as well.
How far have preparations for summer 2016 reached?
The meetings with the MLAs are on. Before the end of the month, we will release our annual Summer Action Plan. Regular maintenance of our treatment plants is carried out. We will have 250 new tankers on the road by April. We will be strengthening our call centre so that Delhiites get all the assistance they need in case there is any water emergency.
How confident are you of a smooth summer when it comes to water supply?
We had managed to reach a peak of 900 MGD last summer. This year our target is to maintain a supply of 900 MGD throughout the summer, and we are on course to do it. We won't be aiming for more than 900 MGD because the raw water we get is the same. Our aim will be to give continuous supply to all our metered connection users.
