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NEW DELHI: The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has approved significant reforms regarding infrastructure charge (IFC) payments, providing much-needed relief for property owners and developers in the capital.
Individuals and agencies can now secure a provisional no objection certificate (NOC) by paying just 25% of the required infrastructure charges during the building plan approval phase. The remaining balance will be payable later, adjusted according to final applicable rates when a water connection is sanctioned. Officials believe this temporary arrangement will quickly revive thousands of stalled projects.
Water Minister Parvesh Verma stated that this decision followed numerous appeals concerning the substantial increases in infrastructure charges over recent years.
As of now, the IFC rates for commercial properties are Rs 446.7 (A and B category colonies), Rs 319.07 for C, Rs 191.45 for D, and Rs 127.63 for E-H. Residential properties attract Rs 255.27 (A and B), Rs 191.45 (C), Rs 127.63 (D), and Rs 63.81 (E-H). For sewer charges, the rates stand at Rs 268.03 (A and B), Rs 191.45 (C), Rs 114.87 (D), and Rs 76.58 (E-H). Residential sewer charges are Rs 153.16 (A and B), Rs 114.87 (C), Rs 76.57 (D), and Rs 38.29 (E-H).
The government previously decided to change the calculation method from occupancy-based to floor-area-based to manage the steep cost increases of up to ten times in some instances.
Verma described the reform as a “practical and humane approach,” ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder individuals from constructing their homes. The new system emphasizes flexibility, allowing construction to commence with a minimal initial payment while ensuring equitable adjustments later.
The initiative is aligned with the government’s broader aim to simplify procedures and reduce compliance burdens, reflecting the Centre’s focus on enhancing the ease of doing business.
Officials confirmed that properties up to 200 square meters will remain exempt from IFC, while larger plots will benefit from a streamlined framework. Preliminary estimates suggest that the overall IFC liability could drop by 50% to 70% in many cases, alleviating financial pressure on consumers.
This reform is expected to have a broader economic impact as well. It will likely catalyze construction and redevelopment projects, create jobs, and bolster sectors such as real estate and infrastructure. Furthermore, it aims to foster better trust between citizens and public agencies.
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