DJB Intelligence Report: Systemic Contamination Threatens Delhi's Rainwater Harvesting Infrastructure

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has submitted a critical affidavit to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) revealing widespread faecal coliform contamination in rainwater harvesting (RWH) pits across Dwarka. This contamination, attributed directly to poor maintenance and inadequate upkeep protocols, is creating significant regulatory and public health consequences. The DJB's analysis indicates that sewage ingress into these systems is compromising water safety standards, thereby blocking the issuance of adequacy certificates for the facilities. Consequently, residential societies are being denied mandated water bill rebates, a key financial incentive for sustainable water management. The situation underscores a systemic failure in post-installation oversight, where infrastructure is rendered ineffective and potentially hazardous. The DJB's formal communication to the NGT frames this not merely as an operational lapse but as a compliance crisis that jeopardizes urban water security initiatives. Until societies undertake corrective measures to seal sewage ingress and demonstrate adherence to prescribed safety norms, both certification and fiscal benefits remain suspended. This development highlights a critical vulnerability in Delhi's water conservation framework, demanding immediate rectification to prevent the degradation of essential environmental infrastructure.