New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced major reforms in water and sewer infrastructure charges, aiming to provide significant relief to residents, institutions, and commercial establishments across the capital.
Under the revised system, Delhi Jal Board infrastructure charges will now be levied strictly based on actual water requirement instead of total property area, marking a major shift in the billing structure.
Infrastructure Charges Now Based on Actual Usage
As per the new policy:
- Charges will apply only on actual water requirement
- Fees will be levied only on new or additional construction
- No charges for reconstruction if water usage does not increase
The government said the move will make the system more transparent, simple, and fair for citizens.
Read also: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Meets LG T.S. Sandhu, Pushes Metro Use and Announces Major Development Plans
Major Rebates for Institutions and Religious Places
The revised framework also introduces significant exemptions and rebates:
- 50% rebate for institutions registered under Section 12AB of the Income Tax Act
- Additional 50% relief for religious institutions
- Up to 50% reduction in sewer infrastructure charges for properties using Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems with functional STPs
However, the government warned that if ZLD systems are found non-functional, the exemption will be withdrawn and a penalty of 0.5% per day will be imposed.
Sharp Reduction in Infrastructure Fees Across Property Categories
The government has also reduced infrastructure charges significantly:
- A & B category colonies: reduced from ₹13.18 lakh to ₹5.4 lakh
- E & F category colonies: reduced to ₹2.7 lakh
- G & H category colonies: reduced to ₹1.62 lakh
- Industrial properties (1,000 sq. m): reduced from ₹57.67 lakh to ₹8.91 lakh
Non-FAR areas and open spaces will now be excluded from fee calculations.
Simplified Rules for Property Approvals
The new framework introduces easing of procedures, including:
- Applicability only for properties above 200 sq. m
- Acceptance of architect-approved plans in unauthorized colonies
- Removal of unnecessary procedural hurdles
Officials said the reforms aim to simplify approvals and improve compliance.
New Ration Card Applications Open After 13 Years
In another major announcement, the Delhi government has reopened online applications for new ration cards from May 15, after a gap of nearly 13 years, allowing more families to access public distribution benefits.
Modern Park Inaugurated in Burari
A new modern public park has also been inaugurated in Burari, aimed at improving green spaces and providing better recreational facilities for residents.
The Delhi government said these reforms are aimed at reducing financial burden on citizens, improving transparency in infrastructure charges, and strengthening public utility systems across the city.
About Delhi Water Infrastructure Reforms
The Delhi administration is currently focusing on modernising water supply and sewer systems under the Delhi Jal Board framework, with an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and citizen-centric service delivery.
