On govt radar: 232 priority projects facing delays

New Delhi: Delhi govt has put 232 priority projects — including nearly 150 major works of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) — under monitoring and directed departments such as NDMC, PWD and the irrigation and flood control department to adhere to time-bound implementation. The projects are of the DJB, NDMC, PWD, the irrigation and flood control department, MCD, Dusib, trade and taxes, excise, forest and wildlife departments as well as Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The projects were examined at a meeting, chaired by the chief secretary, where senior officers presented detailed updates on planning status, approvals, tenders, award of work, execution progress and expected timelines.
All departments were directed to upload the details of projects that cost more than Rs 5 crore on the Delhi PMG portal within 10 days. Nearly 150 of the reviewed projects are of the DJB's. These include the upgrading of sewage treatment plants (STPs), laying of trunk sewer lines and Yamuna rejuvenation projects. Officials said that many of the projects were stalled over the last three years due to financial constraints, pending NOCs and other procedural issues. However, after funds were made available after July 2025, execution has gathered pace. "Around 232 priority projects across departments were reviewed by the chief minister, including nearly 150 major water-related ones of Delhi Jal Board," a senior DJB official told TOI, adding that the recent review meeting was held by the chief secretary after deliberations with the CM. A separate detailed meeting with DJB officials was also called to assess bottlenecks and timelines. Among NDMC's prominent heritage initiatives under review is the conservation and redevelopment of the iconic Gole Market building, which is being transformed into a Veerangana Museum. The project, initially estimated at Rs 21.67 crore and later revised to Rs 26.48 crore, includes construction of a service block and a subway. Other NDMC infrastructure projects that were reviewed include the supply and laying of low-tension cables with feeder pillars in Lodhi Colony at a cost of about Rs 9.28 crore, and the installation and commissioning of 33 kV GIS high-tension panels at a receiving station at BKS Marg for approximately Rs 6.24 crore. A major housing initiative involving construction of 160 Type-III NGS flats at Pushp Vihar, Sector 1 — with basement parking and community facilities — estimated to cost over Rs 105 crore — also figures among the priority projects. The chief secretary stressed the need for timely implementation and directed all departments to adhere to timelines. The principal executing agencies were told to submit regular status reports.