New Delhi: Delhi govt has extended the 100% waiver on late payment surcharge (LPSC) on outstanding water bills for domestic and non-domestic consumers till March 31, 2027, giving consumers the last opportunity to clear their dues without paying the accumulated penalty.The waiver was to end on Aug 15. The extension comes after more than 5.2 lakh consumers had availed themselves of the scheme under which Delhi Jal Board (DJB) waived LPSC worth Rs 3,261 crore. DJB has recovered Rs 815.84 crore as the principal amount from consumers who opted to settle their dues.The LPSC waiver was introduced by DJB to encourage consumers with long-pending water bills to clear their outstanding principal dues. Over the years, unpaid bills accumulate substantial late payment surcharges, significantly increasing the settlement amount. Under the scheme, consumers can get the entire LPSC component waived by paying the principal amount. This allows DJB to recover its dues while giving consumers relief from accumulated penalties.The scheme covers 14.09 lakh domestic and 70,312 commercial consumers.Water minister Parvesh Verma said the extension was aimed at providing consumers with a final opportunity to settle their dues while helping DJB recover its legitimate revenue. “For a family, an old water bill can remain a worry for years. When LPSC keeps getting added, the amount can become difficult to clear. We wanted to give people a genuine opportunity — pay the principal amount and leave the burden of LPSC behind,” he said.“We are not asking people to pay more. We are asking people to pay what they actually owe. If the principal amount is paid, 100% LPSC will be waived,” the minister said, adding that this was the last extension.
