The plan aims at constructing intercepting sewers along the three major drains in Delhi — Najafgarh, Shahdara and Supplementary. The sewage will be trapped and sent to the nearest sewage treatment plant (STP), only after which it will be released into the river.

The plan, believe Delhi government officials, will help in bringing down the pollution level in the Yamuna. The plan has been approved at a cost of Rs 2,411.60 crore, which includes Rs 685.60 crore as the cost of operation and maintenance for 10 years, and Rs 225.10 crore as the anticipated escalation during the project period.

“The DJB has also sought JNNURM funding for the project from the Centre. It is expected that work on the ground will start by June-July this year,” a DJB official said.

“After the commissioning of this scheme, the quality of Yamuna water is expected to improve substantively. The project, however, envisages active co-operation from other agencies particularly from the MCD, the Irrigation & Flood Control Department and the DDA among others,” DJB spokesperson Sanjam Chima said.

The entire plan will be completed by 2012.

The postal department has also been authorised to distribute water bills in six zones of the North and the Northwest districts on behalf of the Delhi Jal Board.

“The authorisation has been given for a period of three years, with effect from January 1, 2009,” the DJB official said.

The Board also gave approval for shifting of the existing 900-mm diameter main Ranny Well water pipeline along NH-24, which falls in the alignment of the new flyover at the crossing of the Commonwealth Games Village.