First SCADA System with Water-Controlled Valves for Equitable Water Distribution Commenced in Delhi

By 121 News

New Delhi 30^th August:- The seminar under the technical cooperation project of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), named "The Assistance Related to Delhi Water Supply Improvement Project" was organized by Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and JICA. The objectives of the seminar were to share the experiences and knowledge of water supply management and to inaugurate the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in Pitampura Pilot Project area. Esteemed guests included Ms. Nidhi Srivastava, Additional CEO, DJB; S.N.A Najmi, Member Finance, DJB; R. S Tyagi, Member (W.S), DJB; Yoichi Yamamoto, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Tokyo Waterworks)and Takema Sakamoto, Chief Representative, JICA India Office, among others.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi has a high rate of Non-Revenue Water (NRW*)between 40 to 50% and the reduction of NRW was one of the major issues to be tackled for efficient usage of drinking water. Subsequent to the preparation of master plan for water supply for Delhi 2021, JICA has committed Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of JPY 28,975 million (approx. Rs. 1,700 crore) for "Delhi Water Supply Improvement Project" to rehabilitate and improve the facilities under Chandrawal Water Treatment Plant area.

JICA has been conducting the technical cooperation project for 4 yearsin order to improve the skills and management capacities of DJB officials and to implement the Pilot Project. The seminar focused on the achievements of the Pilot Project, whose main objective is to monitor and control water flow and pressure at selected District Metered Areas (DMAs) for equitable water distribution by using SCADA system. It is the first SCADA system in the country to monitor and control the water distribution with water-controlled valves at 13 local control points, which would enable DJB to initiate equitable distribution and NRW management in Delhi. JICA has extended the support not only on the installation of SCADA system, but also on the provision of the Japanese expertise on operation method and management of equitable distribution using SCADA. Officials from Tokyo Metropolitan Government, whose NRW ratio is prominently low, were also invited as JICA Experts for presentations.

Speaking on the occasion, Takema Sakamoto, Chief Representative, JICA India Office said that it is an honour for JICA to implement such an epoch-making project with DJB. While water is a scarce resource in Delhi, 40-50% of it has been unaccounted for, which is such a waste. With this SCADA distribution project, JICA expects to rationalize and enhance the efficiency of DJB's water management. Further, JICA expects DJB to scale up this kind of initiative accordingly. He shared further that JICA is also supporting DJB to improve the water supply facilities in Delhi. JICA is committed to the betterment of water supply and sewerage of Delhi, which is the key for human security and balanced development of the capital city.