Arvind Kejriwal rules out privatisation of water sector

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of privatising the city’s water sector following the experience in power industry, but sought more participation of private companies to improve water management in the national capital.

To deal with the city’s impending water crisis, Mr Kejriwal also announced implementation of rain-water harvesting techniques on a largescale by next year and inception of recycling facilities in several areas.

The Delhi chief minister said the government was ready to use technology on a large scale but ownership of water network and distribution would remain with the government. “It is responsibility of the government to ensure clean drinking water to its citizens and we will not give this responsibility to any private company. If a government cannot supply water to the people of the city then there is no use of being in power.”

The AAP supremo, however, noted that the involvement of private entities could not also be “ignored” in the sector. “We want largescale participation from private companies in water sector, but ownership and distribution channel will remain with the government.”

Speaking while inaugurating the Aquatech India trade exhibition for drinking and waste water management at Pragati Maidan, Mr Kejriwal came down heavily on privatisation of power sector in Delhi, asserting that it has many loopholes. “This model rewards inefficiency of power companies. There is no benefit for spending less then why will someone cut down their expenses. Companies keep spending more to earn more and we are paying higher tariff. So water sector will never be privatised.”

The CM highlighted that Delhi lacked a major source of water and government is wor-king on water recycling and sewerage treatme-nt. He said that the AAP government has started various water-related pilot projects and is waiting for their result for further implementation across the city.

“To recycle water, the Delhi government has started six pilot projects and we will get results in another five-six months. After scanning the result, they will be implemented in other parts of the city.”

Impressing upon the need of rain water harvesting, he said, “At present, rain water harvesting is done on voluntary basis but we will implement it properly. I am sure by next year monsoon we will be ready to do rainwater harvesting at largescale.”

Mr Kejriwal also requested private companies to provide cheaper technology to the end customers.