Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Delhi Plan Targets Water Reuse and Sewage Expansion by 2047
Delhi expects many more people to live in the city by 2047.
This means the city will need much more drinking water.
A new plan aims to add 401 million gallons of water each day.
It also wants to treat more sewage before it reaches rivers and drains.
Treated wastewater could be used for watering parks and plants instead of drinking water.
The plan would address sewage from all 22 major drains flowing into the Yamuna.
It also suggests rainwater collection, wetlands and old stepwells to help refill groundwater.
New drainage measures are intended to reduce flooding.
The plan was prepared by the Delhi Development Authority and unveiled by Manohar Lal.
Delhi’s potable-water demand is projected to reach about 1,600 MGD by 2047, requiring an additional 401 MGD.
The plan proposes adding 110 MGD through short- and medium-term measures and 291 MGD through longer-term projects.
Installed sewage-treatment capacity would rise to about 1,285 MGD, while sewage from all 22 major Yamuna drains would be intercepted and treated.
Treated wastewater would replace some fresh Yamuna water for irrigation, with reuse made mandatory for horticulture, parks and other non-potable uses.
The plan proposes updated drainage systems, decentralised treatment plants, groundwater-recharge networks and zero tolerance for untreated pollution.
- Who
- The Delhi Development Authority prepared the plan, which was unveiled by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal.
- What
- The Master Plan for Delhi 2047 proposes expanding water supplies, sewage treatment, wastewater reuse and drainage systems.
- When
- The plan was unveiled on Thursday in a report dated Aug. 20; its targets extend to 2047.
- Where
- Delhi, including the Yamuna drainage basin and the city’s densely populated and unplanned areas.
- Why
- To address projected population growth, rising water demand, water stress, sewage pollution and flooding.
- Projected population
- About 3.2 crore people by 2047
- Projected potable-water demand
- Around 1,600 MGD by 2047
- Additional water required
- 401 MGD
- Planned water additions
- 110 MGD in the short to medium term and 291 MGD through longer-term projects
- Target sewage-treatment capacity
- Around 1,285 MGD, equivalent to nearly 80 per cent of supplied water
- Major drains targeted
- All 22 major drains flowing into the Yamuna
- Drainage planning horizon
- A Delhi Drainage Master Plan is being prepared for the next 30 years