New Delhi: In a major relief for residents, the Delhi government is set to launch a comprehensive water bill waiver scheme, Water Minister Parvesh Verma announced on Thursday. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is currently revamping its billing software, with the upgrade expected to be completed within the next two to three months.
Verma revealed that the government is planning to waive 100% of late payment surcharges for domestic and government water users as part of the upcoming scheme.
Meanwhile, the DJB has revived the long-pending Wazirabad water supply improvement project through a proposed collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Originally conceptualized in 2013, the project had stalled after ADB withdrew its funding commitment of ₹2,433 crore. The estimated cost has now escalated to ₹3,715 crore, and the Delhi government will seek clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for overseas funding.
The Wazirabad project will benefit over 30.16 lakh people across 123 sq km, including key regions like Burari, Pitampura, Model Town, Punjabi Bagh, Shastri Nagar, and others.
In efforts to improve water and sewer infrastructure, the DJB has also cleared water connections for DDA’s lower-income housing projects and in-situ slum rehabilitation at Katputli Colony.
To tackle direct sewage discharge into the Yamuna, the DJB has greenlit two sewer projects in unauthorized colonies in Sonia Vihar and Hassanpur. A decentralized sewage treatment plant will be constructed at Hassanpur at a cost of ₹51.43 crore, while the Sonia Vihar initiative will be completed in a year at a cost of ₹69 crore.
Additionally, Verma confirmed that 131 new technical vacancies will be filled via the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) process. The proposal has been submitted to the Lieutenant Governor’s office for final approval.
To enhance technical oversight, the DJB will also engage retired PSU engineers as consultants for better project implementation and supervision.
“These initiatives aim to improve both infrastructure and public service delivery while contributing to Yamuna’s revival,” Verma said.
