NDMC to Install 8 Decentralised STPs to Sustain Delhi’s Green Cover

In a strategic move to insulate the capital’s major parks from freshwater scarcity, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has invited bids for the installation of eight decentralized sewage treatment plants (STPs). The project, to be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, is designed to ensure a self-sustaining water supply for horticulture and the maintenance of public fountains and water bodies.

The decentralised units, ranging in capacity from 500 to 1,000 kiloliters per day (KLD), are slated for deployment at several high-profile locations, including Shanti Path, Lodhi Garden, Sanjay Lake Park, and Talkatora Garden. By treating sewage at the source, the NDMC aims to create a "closed-loop" system where recycled water is immediately diverted to the surrounding green cover, bypassing the need for long-distance transport or reliance on the city's potable water grid.

Maintaining New Delhi's vast green spaces is water-intensive. By deploying these decentralised systems, we can ensure that iconic landmarks like Lodhi Garden remain lush year-round without depleting freshwater reserves intended for domestic use," an NDMC official stated.

The selected private developers will be responsible for the design, operation, and maintenance of the plants for 12 years. Bidders are expected to submit their proposals by April 15, with the contract being awarded to the concessionaire offering the most competitive "treated water rate." This initiative is part of a broader environmental strategy to manage the needs of New Delhi's 3.5 lakh residents and its massive daily floating population of 15 lakh.