New Delhi: Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has approved a major reform in the payment of infrastructure charges (IFC), offering long-awaited relief to property owners and developers across the capital. Individuals and agencies will now be able to obtain a provisional no objection certificate (NOC) by paying 25% of applicable infrastructure charges at the stage of the building plan approval. The rest of the amount will be payable later and adjusted based on final applicable rates at the time of sanctioning a water connection. Officials say this interim arrangement is likely to immediately unlock thousands of stalled projects. Water minister Parvesh Verma said this decision was taken following repeated representations from people about the steep rise in infrastructure charges in recent years. The current IFC for commercial properties are Rs 446.7 (A and B category colony), Rs 319.07 for C, Rs 191.45 (D) and Rs 127.63 (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 are Rs 268.03 (A and B), Rs 191.45 (C), Rs 114.87 (D) and Rs 76.58 (E-H). For residential properties, the rates are Rs 153.16 (A and B), Rs 114.87 (C), Rs 76.57 (D) and Rs 38.29 (E-H). Govt had earlier taken a decision to alter the calculation methodology — from occupancy-based to floor-area-based assessment — to control sharp escalation in costs, in some cases five to ten times, said an official. Verma called the reform a “practical and humane approach” to ensure people are not prevented from building their houses due to financial constraints. The new system prioritises flexibility, allowing construction to begin with minimal initial payment while ensuring fair adjustment of dues later, he said. The initiative, he said, is part of a broader push to simplify procedures and reduce compliance burdens in line with the Centre’s emphasis on ease of doing business.The officials said properties measuring up to 200 square metres will continue to remain exempt from IFC, while larger plots are expected to benefit from a rationalised framework. Preliminary estimates suggest that the overall IFC liability could reduce by 50% to 70% in many cases, lowering the financial burden on consumers. The move is expected to have a wider economic impact as well, the officials said. It is likely to accelerate construction and redevelopment projects, generate employment and boost sectors like real estate and infrastructure. It is also likely to improve trust between citizens and public agencies.
