Setting the ball rolling for privatisation of water distribution system, the Delhi government on Friday approved a long-pending proposal to involve private entities in management, maintenance and supply of water in several areas of the city. The private entities will be involved in command areas of Malviya Nagar, Vasant Vihar and Nangloi underground reservoirs and water treatment plants under PPP mode. The decision was taken at a board meeting of Delhi Jal Board presided over by chief minister Sheila Dikshit. Officials said the reform has been initiated in consultation with the Planning Commission which had identified water sector reform as a priority area for the city. The city government is likely to brief the Planning Commission about the decision next week. They said the private sector would be involved in water distribution, management and maintenance of DJB’s infrastructure in Malviya Nagar, Vasant Vihar and Nangloi areas in PPP mode and they will be paid a “fee” for their services. Chief minister Sheila Dikshit had for quite sometime being indicating about reforms in the water sector on the lines of reform in the power sector. The board meeting also framed regulations on fee and rent to be paid for use, maintenance and testing of meters. The meeting gave approval to Delhi Water and Sewer (Tariff and Metering) Regulations, 2012, said a senior official.