Delhi’s water minister announced a billing system overhaul as 60% of consumers in the city do not receive bills, with plans to recover pending dues and expand a late payment waiver scheme
Delhi Jal Board Plans Overhaul of Billing System
New Delhi: Around 60 per cent of consumers under the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) are not receiving water bills. This has led the government to plan a complete overhaul of its billing system, according to Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma.
Current Billing Issues
Delhi has about 29 lakh registered water connections. This number is much lower than the actual number of households. Verma stated, “There is a need to overhaul the billing system. Currently, only 40 per cent of the registered customers are receiving the water bill. There are other problems also. Several people complain about not receiving bills for years, and then suddenly they receive a big amount. Hence, software changes are required to make it customer-friendly.”
Impact on Residents
Officials noted that many residents, especially in unauthorized colonies, use water services without formal connections. This situation has affected the Late Payment Surcharge Waiver Scheme (LPSC).
Verma mentioned, “As there is no proper bill, several people are facing issues with regard to our LPSC scheme also.”
LPSC Scheme Details
Last year, the Delhi government introduced the LPSC scheme for domestic consumers. This scheme will now be extended to the commercial category. Verma added, “Soon, the LPSC waiver scheme for the commercial category will also be announced. In the domestic category, the response has been satisfactory.”
Financial Goals
The government aims to recover ₹5,000 crore in pending dues of DJB. They plan to waive late payment surcharge amounts totaling ₹11,000 crore. Verma warned, “After the LPSC scheme’s deadline is over, people who do not pay their bills will have their water supply disconnected.”
Waiver Conditions
Under the LPSC, a 100 per cent waiver on late payment charges will be granted if outstanding principal water dues are settled by January 31, 2026. After that date, only a 70 per cent waiver will be available.
Wastewater Utilization Proposal
Verma also informed that a proposal to utilize wastewater has been approved, and a tender has been floated. DJB is collaborating with the Delhi Development Authority, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and other park-owning agencies to provide treated water for horticulture purposes.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Consumers not receiving bills | 60% |
| Registered water connections | 29 lakh |
| Pending dues recovery target | ₹5,000 crore |
| Late payment surcharge waiver amount | ₹11,000 crore |
| LPSC settlement deadline | January 31, 2026 |
