Central, state depts owe DJB whopping ₹63k-cr

Even as the Delhi government explores an amnesty scheme for residential water consumers, the city’s water utility is grappling with a deepening financial crisis, one that is worsened by a staggering ₹63,019 crore in unpaid dues from government departments, data has revealed.

- Paras Singh

According to the bill pendency report, seen by HT, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has reported bill pendency from 18 government departments — 10 under the central government and eight under the state — with nearly equal contribution to the mounting arrears. Of the total amount, ₹33,295.79 crore is owed by Delhi government departments, while ₹29,723.37 crore is pending from central agencies.

The biggest defaulter, the report states, is the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), with around ₹26,147 crore pending against 671 water connections — accounting for over 41% of the total dues.

Among Delhi government departments, the health department follows with ₹6,685 crore pending across 544 connections, while DSIIDC (₹269 crore), the education department (₹32 crore), and the public works department (₹86.7 crore) are also listed among key defaulters.