Delhi’s water authorities announced that residents with unauthorised water connections can now avail a 96 percent relief under newly introduced schemes by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). The initiative is expected to provide substantial financial respite to thousands of households across the national capital, while promoting the formalisation of water services.
Officials highlighted that the scheme reduces the five percent compound interest previously levied on irregular connections. The measure forms part of a broader strategy by the DJB to modernise water infrastructure, streamline operations, and reduce losses from unauthorised usage. According to officials, regularising water connections under this scheme will not only bring long-term cost savings for residents but also improve billing efficiency and accountability within the city’s water supply network. The relief initiative complements the DJB’s recent rollout of the “One Zone, One Operator” policy, which divides Delhi into eight water service zones. Each zone will be managed by a designated private operator responsible for water supply, sewerage network management, billing, and repairs, while the DJB continues to oversee water sourcing, purification, and bulk distribution. The model is designed to reduce non-revenue water, currently estimated at 50 to 52 percent, and provide continuous, 24/7 water supply to residents.
Officials emphasised that the dual approach—financial incentives for regularisation and zonal operational management—aligns with the city’s long-term goal of creating a more sustainable, efficient, and accountable water network. The initiative also supports environmental objectives by encouraging responsible water usage and reducing wastage, ultimately contributing to the broader mission of zero net carbon and eco-friendly urban infrastructure. According to DJB experts, the water and sewer lines in Delhi are ageing and require systematic upgrades. Cleaning and revitalising rivers, including the Yamuna, remains a key focus area under ongoing water management policies. The new schemes are intended to integrate seamlessly with these infrastructure improvements, ensuring that the benefits of modernisation reach all residents equitably.
Authorities noted that the financial incentives under the new schemes, including the 96 percent relief, are designed to encourage residents to formalise their water connections without imposing undue economic burden. By integrating private operators in zonal water management while retaining central oversight, the DJB aims to create a sustainable, gender-neutral, and citizen-centric urban water governance model that prioritises reliability, accountability, and environmental stewardship. With these initiatives, Delhi seeks to reduce water losses, modernise its infrastructure, and ensure equitable access to one of the city’s most critical resources, fostering a more sustainable urban future.
Delhi Offers 96 Percent Relief For Regularising Unauthorised Water Connections
