Equitable distribution of water in Delhi is need of the hour. This was stated by the Chief Minister, Sheila Dikhit. Towards this end, pilot projects in certain areas under the public private participation (PPP) model are proposed to be undertaken to improve Delhi Jal Board's (DJB's) existing water supply and transmission and distribution networks, said the Chief Minister. Reacting against the news items appeared in a section of the media about privatisation of water, Dikshit said that the DJB would take steps to provide 24x7 water supply in the project area as has happened in other cities like Nagpur, Hubli-Dharwad, Gulbarga and in a number of other Asian and African cities. The PPP projects are for better management of water distribution and not to privatise the DJB. The PPP in the project is not for privatisation because the DJB will continue to be the owner of all the assets and the responsibility for providing water services will continue with it. The payment to private operators would be independent of consumer tariff. Consumers would not be required to pay anything to the operators. It would be made by the DJB. The pilot project will also involve representatives of the Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) in reporting about service delivery and consumer concerns. The DJB is planning to carry out a pilot project for equitable and 24x7 distribution of water in Vasant Vihar, Mehrauli, Malviya Nagar and Nangloi. After the successful implementation of the pilot projects, the learnings will be extended to the other parts of Delhi. This will improve continuity of supply, reduce risks of contamination and water losses, and will enable the DJB to provide better services to its consumers.