Delhi Launches Mega Plan to Monitor Treated Water Use in Parks in Real Time

New Delhi: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is set to roll out a real-time monitoring system to ensure proper usage of treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) installed in its 100 major parks across the city. The initiative aims to guarantee that recycled water is used efficiently for irrigation, landscaping, and tree plantation, while preventing wastage.

Automation and Monitoring
DDA has invited expressions of interest from technology firms to install an automation system in its parks. The system will continuously monitor water quality, quantity, and key parameters including Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and pH levels. Capable of handling up to 100 kiloliters per day (KLD), the system will also assess the treatment efficiency of each STP and help identify suitable wastewater treatment technologies.

Supporting Lake Restoration and Green Spaces
According to DDA officials, the project will also assist in the revival of lakes within park complexes, which rely on STP-treated water. Currently, DDA manages 16,000 acres of green space, including 729 parks over 10,400 acres, biodiversity parks across 21,000 acres, and around 2,500 acres near the Yamuna floodplains. Among these, 100 large parks have STPs with capacities ranging from 10 to 1,000 KLD, installed between 2020 and 2024.

Benefits of Real-Time Monitoring
At present, there is no real-time monitoring of these STPs, delaying detection of issues and risking damage to rejuvenated lakes. The new system will alert authorities instantly if water quality deteriorates, allowing for prompt corrective action and ensuring optimal utilization of treated water.

Comprehensive Assessment
An expert agency will be appointed to study the cost per KLD, land requirements, operation and maintenance costs, electricity consumption, water quality, and environmental impact of the STPs. The findings will help DDA adopt state-of-the-art technologies for sustainable water management in its parks and green spaces.

This initiative underscores DDA’s commitment to efficient water use, environmental sustainability, and preserving Delhi’s urban greenery while leveraging technology for smart city management.