New Delhi, Jan 17 (AHN) The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is adopting a Smart Irrigation System to promote sustainable development and efficient utilisation of resources, Vice- Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal said on Saturday.

Under this initiative, modern, automated, and mechanised irrigation systems will be implemented in parks, gardens, and green belts, ensuring that water is used only as per actual requirement and at the required locations.

Chahal said that this system will promote water conservation, reduce water wastage and waterlogging, improve plant health, ensure better utilisation of human resources, and significantly reduce operational costs.

Chahal added that in the first phase, smart irrigation systems are proposed along 11 major roads covering a total length of about 19.28 km for horticulture purposes.

This initiative will reduce the movement of water tankers and consequently help in lowering air pollution, he said.

He said the proposed roads include areas around Nehru Park, Peshwa Road, Mandir Marg, R.K. Ashram Marg, Bhai Veer Singh Marg, Shanti Path, Panchsheel Marg, Ashoka Road, C-Hexagon, Aurobindo Marg, and Akbar Road.

Tenders for this project have already been invited and are scheduled to be opened on January 23 and 27, Chahal added.

"The work is proposed to be awarded before March 2026, with a completion period ranging from six months to a year depending on the length of the road. The estimated cost of this phase is Rs 15.94 crore," he said.

Chahal added that after the successful completion of Phase-I, the smart irrigation project will be further expanded during the year 2026–27 to cover 11 additional main roads and five major gardens, with a total length of nearly 19.61 km.

"This phase will include Maharishi Raman Marg, Lodhi Estate Lanes, Max Muller Marg, Subramaniyam Bharti Marg, San Martin Marg, Jesus and Mary Road, Manas Marg, Madhulimya Marg, Satya Marg, Chandragupt Marg, and Niti Marg, along with Covered Nallah Park behind Satya Sadan, Lodhi Garden, Talkatora Garden, Sanjay Lake Park, and the Children's Park at Madhulimya Marg."

The estimated cost of this phase is around Rs 16 crore, he said.

Chahal also told that recycled water generated from Decentralised Sewage Treatment Plants (DSTPs) installed at various locations in the NDMC area is being used for irrigation purposes.

This reduces dependence on fresh potable water and ensures sustainable and efficient utilisation of water resources, he said.

At present, 12 DSTPs are operational in the NDMC area, supplying treated water for irrigation in various parks and green areas, reflecting NDMC's strong commitment to environmental sustainability.