New Delhi: In a significant move to accelerate the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River and improve the capital’s water infrastructure, the Delhi government has granted enhanced financial autonomy to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Under the new guidelines, the DJB can independently clear and execute projects exceeding ₹50 crore without requiring cabinet approval.
According to an official statement, this empowerment will enable the board to expedite high-value infrastructure initiatives from its budget allocations, eliminating bureaucratic delays. The DJB can now autonomously sanction all projects above ₹50 crore, while its chairperson is authorized to clear proposals up to ₹50 crore, the CEO up to ₹25 crore, and Member (Administration/Water Supply/Drainage) up to ₹5 crore.
“This reform will lead to more efficient decision-making and faster implementation of key projects,” the statement said. The new system is expected to streamline the installation of new pipelines, construction of booster pumping stations, and development of essential water supply infrastructure, significantly benefiting Delhi residents.
दिल्ली सरकार ने आज ऐतिहासिक कदम उठाते हुए जल बोर्ड को पहली बार निर्णय लेने और काम पूरा करने की असली ताक़त दी है। अब यह संस्था नाम मात्र की नहीं बल्कि सही मायनों में स्वायत्त और सक्षम बन गई है।
— CMO Delhi (@CMODelhi) July 5, 2025
अब दिल्ली जल बोर्ड यमुना की सफ़ाई, नालों के उपचार और पेयजल व्यवस्था से जुड़ी तमाम… pic.twitter.com/YyxrKvZEQL
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the DJB can now independently execute large-scale projects, including Yamuna river purification, drain-water treatment, and improvements in the city’s drinking water distribution network, all without cabinet clearance.
Gupta further criticized the previous administration, alleging that it had withdrawn all financial authority from the DJB, stalling crucial initiatives such as river cleanup and water-supply upgrades.
“The result was a severely polluted Yamuna and persistent irregularities in water supply for Delhi residents,” she said.
With this new framework, the DJB’s operations will be more transparent and accountable, minimizing the risk of corruption and ensuring responsibility across all levels, the Chief Minister added.
