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Delhi Jal Board: Corruption and Failing Sewage Treatment Plants

Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is under intense scrutiny due to corruption allegations and poor sewage treatment plant (STP) management, with recent ED investigations uncovering a major scam involving inflated tenders for STP upgrades.

By Neeraj Thakur
New Update
Delhi Jal Board

Delhi Jal Board: Corruption and Failing Sewage Treatment Plants | Representative image | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement

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Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has been under the spotlight for years, over the capital's dismal water management and the poor performance of its sewage treatment plants. The DJB, responsible for supplying potable water to millions, has often been found wanting, especially during peak summer months when water shortages become a grim reality for many residents.

The heart of the issue lies in the antiquated and overburdened infrastructure. Many of Delhi's sewage treatment plants, designed decades ago, are woefully inadequate in their water treatment capacities. The lack of efficient maintenance and modernisation efforts has only worsened the problem. But what is even worse is when the Delhi Jal Board finds itself mired in allegations of corruption. 

Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a case against Euroteck Environmental Private Limited and several other entities, accusing them of orchestrating a scam within the DJB. The allegations revolve around purported irregularities in the augmentation and upgradation of ten sewage treatment plants, projects that were crucial for improving Delhi's deteriorating water infrastructure.

Multiple teams from the ED conducted extensive search operations on July 3 in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. According to the probe agency, various incriminating documents and digital evidence were found and seized, directly linking the Delhi Jal Board to the alleged scam. The First Information Report (FIR) claims that the DJB awarded tenders valued at over 1900 crore rupees at inflated rates, causing substantial losses to the public exchequer.

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