The Delhi government is reportedly considering a proposal to mandate water bills for property registration, a move that is part of broader reforms for the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Current data suggests a significant discrepancy between registered water connections, estimated at 29 lakh, and the actual number of households in Delhi.
A DJB survey conducted in May across all 70 constituencies of the National Capital revealed substantial inequities in water supply, with some areas facing severe shortages while others received excess. This prompted Water Minister Parvesh Verma to call for immediate adjustments to ensure fair distribution. For instance, Karawal Nagar, with a population of 5 lakh, receives only 4.7 million gallons per day (MGD) against a demand of 25 MGD. Similarly, Burari, with 9 lakh residents, gets 12.5 MGD compared to its 45 MGD demand, and Badli, with 5.5 lakh people, receives 6.5 MGD against a 17 MGD demand.
Minister Verma affirmed that water supply will be standardized based purely on population, emphasizing that “no politics over water will be entertained”. The objective is to satisfy water demand and ensure every household has an adequate supply, particularly during the intense heat.
The DJB’s reports indicate that around 50-52% of its treated water, termed “Non-Revenue Water” (NRW), generates no income due to various issues such as theft, leaks, or unbilled consumption. Unauthorized colonies contribute to this revenue loss, as many residents obtain water without formal connections.
To address the crisis and discourage illicit practices, the Delhi government launched GPS-enabled water tankers on April 20. These tankers are tracked in real-time via an IT dashboard at DJB headquarters to enhance transparency and prevent water theft or leakages. The government’s initiatives demonstrate a commitment to optimize water distribution and curb the “tanker mafia,” thereby ensuring reliable and equitable water access for all Delhi residents.
