DJB identified ageing water infrastructure, leaking or tampered house-service connections, use of booster pumps during non-supply hours, and overflowing sewers and drains as key factors that can lead to contamination in the water-supply network.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it received 1,633 complaints relating to drinking-water contamination between January 7 and January 20, 2026, and had resolved 1,573 of them during the monitoring period. 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. The reply, verified by Dalbir Singh, Chief Engineer (M)-2, Delhi Jal Board, states that the agency has introduced a centralised mechanism to track water-contamination complaints received through multiple channels.
Contamination Complaints Tracked
According to the DJB reply, complaints are received through the 1916 helpline, Central Control Room, social-media platforms, the Public Grievance Monitoring System, CPGRAMS, field offices and references from public representatives. The Board said these complaints are monitored centrally for prompt action. The Board’s daily monitoring table shows that 147 complaints were pending on January 21, 2026. DJB stated that it has put in place a real-time complaint monitoring and redressal framework to address drinking-water contamination reports across Delhi.
Causes Identified By DJB
In its submission, DJB identified ageing water infrastructure, leaking or tampered house-service connections, use of booster pumps during non-supply hours, and overflowing sewers and drains as key factors that can lead to contamination in the water-supply network. The Board stated that some pipelines have completed their designed life. It also said unauthorised tampering with the distribution network through local plumbers can result in contamination and water wastage. According to DJB, booster pumps used during non-supply hours may cause polluted water to enter pipelines through faulty consumer connections or joints. It further stated that overflowing drains and sewers can enter damaged pipelines or faulty house connections, particularly in vulnerable localities.
Zero-Tolerance Instructions
DJB told the Tribunal that its Chief Executive Officer issued an instructional order on January 5, 2026, directing divisions to maintain “zero tolerance” towards drinking-water contamination and treat such complaints on 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. DJB also directed its divisions to list unresolved contamination complaints received since April 1, 2025, and plan works or projects needed to address them. The Board said field officers were also instructed to maintain daily records of contamination complaints and their resolution.
Pipeline And Sewer Measures
DJB stated that it is replacing old, corroded and leak-prone pipelines, conducting regular flushing and chlorination, and carrying out water-quality checks across the distribution network. It also referred to mobile water-testing vans and collection of samples from affected areas, Resident Welfare Associations, schools, hospitals and other public premises. The reply said sewer-maintenance work has been intensified to prevent sewer overflows and possible cross-contamination between sewer lines and drinking-water pipelines. Mechanised cleaning and desilting operations are being undertaken through specialised equipment including super-sucker machines, jetting-cum-suction machines and desilting machines, DJB stated.
Twenty-Four Hour Response
The Chief Engineer (Nodal), Water, issued directions on January 2, 2026, requiring field officers to accord top priority to contamination complaints and ensure redressal within 24 hours, DJB stated. Under the directions, field staff are required to inspect sites, identify the source of contamination and take corrective action in coordination with the concerned divisions. A subsequent order dated January 6, 2026, required daily updates through a centralised monitoring link and stressed accountability of field officers, the reply said. DJB has submitted that the measures are intended to prevent contamination, strengthen monitoring and ensure safe potable-water supply in Delhi. The matter is before the NGT.
Key Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Case | OA No. 21/2026, Suyash Kumar Mishra vs Union of India & Others |
| Forum | National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi |
| Respondent filing reply | Delhi Jal Board |
| Monitoring period cited | January 7 to January 20, 2026 |
| Water-contamination complaints received | 1,633 |
| Complaints stated as resolved | 1,573 |
| Pending complaints shown on January 21 | 147 |
| Priority-resolution instruction | Within 24 hours for field officers under January 2 order |
| CEO instruction | “Zero tolerance” towards drinking-water contamination |
| Complaint channels | 1916, control room, social media, PGMS, CPGRAMS, field offices and public representatives |
