Overview

New Delhi, October 22, 2025: The Delhi government has announced a new Water Bill Amnesty Scheme to help residents clear their long-pending water dues. The move aims to provide relief to lakhs of consumers struggling with inflated or disputed bills and to encourage people to reconnect with the city’s official water supply system.

Purpose of the Scheme

The scheme, launched by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is designed to reduce the burden of unpaid water bills and promote fair billing practices. Officials said the amnesty program will allow consumers to settle their outstanding dues at a discounted rate, depending on how old the bills are.

The initiative covers both domestic and commercial consumers and applies to bills pending for several years. In many cases, old or incorrect meter readings have led to excessive charges, creating disputes between households and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

Key Features of the Amnesty Plan

Under the new Water Bill Amnesty Scheme, consumers can:

1. Get up to 100% waiver on late payment charges and penalties.
2. Pay only the principal amount for older bills issued due to faulty meters or wrong readings.
3. Apply online or at local zonal offices of the DJB for quick resolution.
4. Reconnect their water supply if it was previously disconnected for non-payment.

According to the Delhi Jal Board, the waiver percentage will vary based on the duration and nature of the pending bill. The government expects that the scheme will help recover hundreds of crores in unpaid dues while easing the financial stress on ordinary citizens.

Government’s Statement

Announcing the scheme, Chief Minister Kejriwal said,

“This initiative is for the people of Delhi who have faced problems because of old, incorrect, or disputed bills. We want to give them a clean start. People who pay their current bills regularly will get full benefit of this amnesty scheme.”

Officials also clarified that the DJB will soon issue detailed guidelines and eligibility criteria. The scheme will remain open for a limited period, and citizens are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute congestion.

Public Response

Residents across several parts of the city welcomed the decision, saying it was long overdue. Many consumers who had avoided payment due to incorrect readings can now settle their bills peacefully.
Local resident Seema Verma from Laxmi Nagar said,

“Our bill kept increasing even though our water usage was normal. This new scheme finally gives us a chance to clear everything without paying huge penalties.”

However, some citizens also expressed concern about whether the process would be smooth and transparent. They urged the government to ensure that the online portal remains functional and the helpline staff are well-trained to handle queries.

Experts’ View

Urban policy experts have praised the move, calling it a “practical step toward clean governance.” They believe the scheme will not only reduce financial disputes but also increase water bill compliance across the city.

Analysts also noted that the scheme aligns with the government’s goal of improving revenue collection for the Delhi Jal Board while building public trust.

What Consumers Need to Do

• Visit the official Delhi Jal Board website (https://djb.gov.in) or the nearest zonal office.
• Enter your consumer ID and verify your outstanding dues.
• Apply for the amnesty benefit and choose your payment mode.
• Keep proof of payment and confirmation receipt for future reference.

The government has also announced a helpline number and WhatsApp assistance service for resolving consumer queries related to eligibility and payment.

Conclusion

The Water Bill Amnesty Scheme marks another citizen-friendly reform by the Delhi government, aimed at making governance more transparent and accountable. It offers residents a fair opportunity to clear their dues without penalties and rejoin the official water supply network.

Officials hope the initiative will help improve water conservation, billing accuracy, and trust between citizens and the Delhi Jal Board in the coming months.