New water supply pipeline installation scheduled in Janakpuri, according to Delhi Jal Board's update to National Green Tribunal.
Contaminated Drinking Water in Janakpuri A-1 Block to be Addressed with New Pipeline
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is taking active steps to address the issue of contaminated drinking water in Janakpuri A-1 block, southwest Delhi. A new 730-meter drinking water pipeline is being laid to provide a permanent solution to the problem [2][4].
The work on this long-term project began on August 4, 2025, and is expected to be completed within 60 days, around early October 2025 [2][4]. The contamination was traced to damaged house connections and a dead water line linked to the active distribution network, causing sewage to enter the drinking water supply [1][3].
Multiple water samples collected by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) between June and July found high levels of total coliform and E. coli well above safe standards [1][2][4]. Following sustained complaints since at least March 2025, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been overseeing the case, ordering DJB to supply alternative clean water sources via tankers and to fix pipeline defects [1][3][4].
Remedial repairs were temporarily made by late July 2025, and clean water supply was restored temporarily, but the new pipeline installation is intended as the permanent fix to prevent sewage contamination [1][2][4].
The NGT has directed fresh testing after pipeline repair work and demanded progress reports by September 8 and a completion affidavit by November 15, 2025 [4]. The residents' welfare association (RWA) of the block has stated that they will extend full cooperation to the DJB in laying down the new pipeline.
The contamination issue has been a long-standing problem for the residents of A-1 block. Locals have been buying water bottles for cooking, washing clothes, and bathing due to the contaminated drinking water [5]. The CPCB's first sample testing in the last week of May revealed that six out of 20 samples from the Janakpuri A-1 block were contaminated [6].
In March, the RWA approached the NGT with complaints of impure drinking water. The DJB informed the NGT that the contamination was due to the pipelines, which are nearly 40 years old, being corroded [1]. A work order for a long-term solution to provide clean water, laying down a new 730-metre pipeline, was issued on August 1 [7].
As the new pipeline installation progresses, ongoing monitoring and tribunal oversight continue as part of ensuring water safety for residents [2][4]. The DJB will submit an affidavit by November 15, detailing that the work is complete, as per the order from the NGT.
- Despite the temporary clean water supply, the residents of A-1 block are still reliant on buying water bottles for health-and-wellness purposes like cooking and bathing, given the previous contamination issues.
- Amidst the ongoing installation of the new 730-meter drinking water pipeline in India, the science and technology implemented are aimed at providing a permanent solution to the contaminated drinking water problem in Janakpuri A-1 block.
