Delhi CM flags off 1,100 GPS tankers to boost summer water supply

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday flagged off 1,111 water tankers equipped with GPS tracking systems, aiming to strengthen the capital’s water supply during the peak summer months.

The real-time location of each tanker can now be monitored via an IT dashboard at the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) headquarters, enhancing transparency and operational efficiency.

“This marks a move towards complete transparency. While not a permanent solution, we are committed to developing a new town plan to ensure tap water access for every resident,” Gupta said at the event in Burari, which also marked 60 days of her administration.

The launch event was attended by Water Minister Parvesh Verma, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, along with BJP MPs and MLAs.

The Delhi government has earmarked ₹9,000 crore for the water sector in its 2025–26 budget. The funds will go towards installing smart meters, reviving water bodies, laying pipelines, and desilting drains, among other initiatives.

Gupta also announced the deployment of 50 super sucker machines across the city to address sewer overflows. “The previous government had just two. We’re scaling up significantly,” she said.

The government is concurrently working to boost the capacity of both sewage and water treatment plants.

Calling the initiative a model of “good governance and transparency,” Minister Verma noted that while some of the tankers are older, all are now fitted with GPS. “Citizens can track their movement just like food delivery apps,” he said.

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Taking a swipe at the previous AAP government, he added, “What the ‘AAP-da sarkar’ couldn’t achieve in years, we’ve done in ten weeks—clearing drains, removing tonnes of silt, and working round the clock, even on holidays and festivals.”

(With inputs from PTI)