A delegation of officials led by Delhi Urban Development Minister A K Walia is set to visit Bangkok and London to study the success of setting up sewage interceptors in the two cities. The twin visits come barely two months after an austerity call given by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

Walia said the delegation is expected to leave by this month-end.

Walia had recently visited Bangalore to study the system of having holograms on batches of alcohol bottles before reaching the government vending counters. The idea being to curb distribution of illicit liquor, as implemented by the Karnataka government.

While both London and Bangkok have interceptor sewers constructed to curb amount of filth and sewage thrown into Thames and Chao Phraya rivers, respectively, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) plans a Rs 1,400-crore project to set up interceptors as part of the government’s plans to clean up the Yamuna. The first interceptor on the Thames was built in the 19th century to treat the river’s waters.

About the visit, Walia said, “It’s a big project, so we need to study these systems at great length before beginning work. Both these projects have been implemented on a huge scale, so we are hoping to study them well and, if possible, emulate them for Yamuna.”

Besides Walia, the delegation includes DJB Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Negi, an Urban Development Ministry additional secretary and a senior Jal Board official.

The project, planned with Centre’s assistance, is expected to treat about 90 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage water before it is released into the Yamuna. Only 612 MGD is treated now before being flushed into the river.