 Constant power-cuts in the hot summer months in Delhi and on top of that no water. That is the plight of the people of Delhi. India may be one of star economies in Asia, comparable only to China, but its Capital is plagued by perennial power and water woes.
People’s Forum conducted a debate on this issue and invited three distinguished panelists for its monthly series on current affairs. In June the panelists included Dr Harshvardhan, Delhi MLA (BJP), who has taken a keen interest in improving the delivery of public services in Delhi, Rakesh Mehta, ex-municipal commissioner of Delhi and now secretary, ministry of power and Arun Mathur, CEO, Delhi Jal Board.
 Dr Harshvardhan in his opening remarks said the government has not been able to come to grips with the alarming situation on the power and water fronts in Delhi. Every year, the story is repeated without any attempt to anticipate the requirements. Delhi has failed to add a single MW of power during the eight-year tenure of this government. Delhi continues to remain dependent on outside sources for power. Every year the government faces a crisis situation but has repeatedly failed to provide an everlasting solution, for e.g. setting up of new power plant in Delhi. Worse, there were three tariff hikes in the last couple of years, and a fourth is in the offing.
Rakesh Mehta was more focused on the poor power supply situation in Delhi. He said a new power plant is coming up in Chhattisgarh, which may improve the power supply situation in Delhi in the coming years.
Arun Mathur said with a state of the art technology at Sonia Vihar Plant, once put on stream will substantially help in reducing the problems of citizens. This plant is likely to start latest by the end of July.
The discussion brought out serious differences on the issues of poor management and governance issues. The Commonwealth Games may prove to be a boon for Delhiites because all departments are gearing their resources to provide world-class services in Delhi.
The audience raised its concerns regarding the forced use of electronic meters, existing disparity in power tariff rates for NDMC and MCD areas, complete apathy of government to woes of citizens, especially long and unscheduled power cuts. On water, the audience highlighted the arbitrariness of Delhi Jal Board in deciding the tariff structure and additional sewage charges proportionate to consumption charges.
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