By NewsGram Staff Writer

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday emphasized upon his stand of not privatising the water sector in the national capital. In his statement he said that privatising the water sector would lead to "cronyism and corruption".

He further suggested several measures like rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of the Yamuna and water recycling to make Delhi self-reliant in terms of water needs. At present, the city is dependent on its bordering states – Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, for its water supply requirements.

At a workshop held by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Kejriwal said, "We are opposed to privatization of water which leads to cronyism and corruption. Water is a lifeline which the government should provide to its citizens as a right." He believes that the government should make policies regarding recycling waste water for optimal use.

"The focus of the water policy and government's work on water can't be just about making people drink water. It has to be a comprehensive and unifying draft for Delhi's citizens and should talk about waste water management, recycling and reuse of water."

"Water pricing needs to be properly thought through along with the implications of all financial models that the Delhi Jal Board needs to pursue," he said.

(With inputs from IANS)