NEW DELHI: The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it resolved 1,573 of the 1,633 drinking water contamination complaints received between January 7 and January 20, 2026, while outlining measures to strengthen monitoring and prevent contamination across Delhi’s water supply network.
The figures were submitted in DJB’s reply and affidavit in Original Application No. 21 of 2026, filed by Suyash Kumar Mishra against the Union of India and others before the NGT’s Principal Bench in New Delhi.
According to the submission, the Board has established a centralised system to monitor complaints received through the 1916 helpline, Central Control Room, social media platforms, Public Grievance Monitoring System (PGMS), Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), field offices and references from public representatives.
DJB’s monitoring data showed 147 complaints pending as of January 21, 2026.
Ageing Infrastructure Among Key Causes
The Delhi Jal Board identified several factors contributing to drinking water contamination, including ageing pipelines, leaking or tampered house service connections, the use of booster pumps during non supply hours, and overflowing sewers and drains.
The Board said some pipelines have exceeded their designed service life. It also pointed to unauthorised tampering of the distribution network by local plumbers as a potential cause of contamination and water loss.
According to DJB, booster pumps operated during non supply periods can create conditions in which polluted water enters pipelines through faulty consumer connections or joints. Similarly, overflowing drains and sewer lines may contaminate drinking water pipelines where infrastructure is damaged or house connections are defective.
‘Zero Tolerance’ Approach to Contamination
DJB said its Chief Executive Officer issued an instructional order on January 5 directing divisions to adopt a “zero tolerance” approach towards drinking water contamination and treat such complaints as a priority.
The order required complaints received through channels including the 1916 helpline, CPGRAMS, PGMS, local offices and public representatives to be resolved within two days. Divisions were also instructed to identify unresolved contamination complaints received since April 1, 2025 and prepare plans for the works or projects required to address them.
Field officers were directed to maintain daily records of complaints and their resolution. As part of its preventive measures, DJB said it is replacing old, corroded and leak-prone pipelines and carrying out regular flushing, chlorination and water quality checks.
The Board has also deployed mobile water testing vans and is collecting samples from affected areas as well as locations including Resident Welfare Associations, schools, hospitals and other public premises.
Sewer maintenance operations have also been intensified to reduce the risk of sewer overflows and cross contamination between sewage and drinking water networks. DJB said mechanised cleaning and desilting is being undertaken using equipment such as super-sucker machines, jetting cum suction machines and desilting machines.
Field Officers Given 24 Hour Redressal Target
The Board further informed the NGT that the Chief Engineer (Nodal) Water, issued directions on January 2 requiring field officers to give top priority to contamination complaints and ensure redressal within 24 hours.
Under the directions, officials are required to inspect affected locations, identify the source of contamination and take corrective action in coordination with the relevant divisions.
A subsequent order issued on January 6 required daily updates through a centralised monitoring link and emphasised accountability among field officers.
DJB said the measures are aimed at improving complaint response, preventing contamination and strengthening the delivery of safe drinking water across Delhi. The matter remains before the National Green Tribunal.