L-G Baijal hands over reins of DJB to CM Kejriwal

The Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Monday approved the cabinet reshuffle giving one of the most crucial departments to the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal who will be heading the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) too chaired his first meeting with the officials on Monday.

The CM asked for the current status of water supply in all colonies. The board has been asked to furnish a report on the timing of water supply in every colony, the duration and problems faced — including water contamination.

"They have been asked to come up with a deadline for resolutions," said a senior Delhi government official.

Earlier, the Delhi government had hinted of financial irregularities against the DJB. According to the sources, the Vidhan Sabha committees had been asking for papers related to 14 projects under two major STPs of DJB, indicating there was an irregularity of over Rs 700 crore in these.

Kejriwal has also directed the officials to fill up the vacant posts. "The CM directed that on the basis of the current duty chart, vacant posts be filled by promoting officers and lower levels be filled on a contract basis, till regular appointments are done," added the official.

The DJB will also submit a presentation to the CM on Friday on the Sewage Treatment Plants to be set-up in across the city. He has asked the officers to look at the NDMC model of decentralised STPs which has resulted in lowering of rates and widely appreciated.

Kejriwal has asked the DJB to furnish details within a week of how much water is actually reaching the consumers and the difference between water generated and supplied to consumers. Mapping of areas vulnerable to leakage to be done immediately.