NDMC’s Green Gamble: 8 STPs to Save Delhi’s Freshwater

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop eight decentralised sewage treatment plants (STPs) under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the aim of reusing treated water for horticulture, fountains, and water bodies across the city. The initiative is expected to reduce reliance on freshwater for maintaining Delhi’s green spaces.

The proposed STPs, each with capacities ranging from 500 to 1,000 kilolitres per day (KLD), will be set up at key locations such as Shanti Path, Lodhi Garden, Sanjay Lake Park, and Talkatora Garden. According to officials, the treated water will support the upkeep of NDMC’s green cover amid constrained freshwater availability.

The civic body has set April 15 as the deadline for bid submissions, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for April 1. Selected private developers will be responsible for the design, execution, operation, and maintenance of the STPs over a 12-year concession period.

While the tender does not specify a fixed project cost, bidders are required to propose their own financial models. An earnest money deposit of ₹10 lakh and a performance security of ₹40 lakh have been stipulated. The concessionaire will be selected based on the lowest quoted “treated water rate” through competitive bidding.

Serving a population of around 3.5 lakh residents and nearly 15 lakh daily visitors, NDMC expects the project to significantly enhance water conservation and promote environmental sustainability in the national capital.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.