The Delhi government has announced a big relief for property owners by changing the rules for water and sewer infrastructure charges.
Earlier, people had to pay fees based on the total area of their property. Now, charges will depend only on the actual water requirement.
The government says the new system will be simpler, more transparent, and more affordable for residents and businesses.
Charges Only on New Construction
Under the new rules, infrastructure charges will apply only to new construction or additional construction work.
If someone is only renovating their property and the water requirement does not increase, they will not have to pay extra charges.
The government has also clarified that open areas and non-FAR areas will not be included while calculating the fee. This move is expected to reduce the overall burden on property owners.
Big Discounts for Many Colonies
People living in category E and F colonies will get a 50% discount on infrastructure charges. Residents of category G and H colonies will receive an even bigger 70% discount.
The fee will apply only to properties with a plot size of more than 200 square meters.
Another important change is for unauthorized colonies. Property maps approved by registered architects will now be accepted, making the process easier and faster for residents.
Extra Relief for Religious and Eco-Friendly Institutions
Institutions and religious places registered under Section 12AB of the Income Tax Act will get an additional 50% rebate.
Commercial properties and institutions using Zero Sewerage Discharge (ZLD) systems and approved Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) will also receive a 50% discount on sewer infrastructure fees.
However, if the ZLD system is found closed or not working, the rebate will be cancelled. In such cases, a penalty of 0.5% per day will also be charged.
Charges Reduced Sharply
The government has also shared examples to show how much the charges have been reduced.
A four-floor property built on a plot larger than 200 square meters in category A and B areas earlier had to pay around ₹13.18 lakh. Under the new rules, the fee will now come down to around ₹5.4 lakh.
In category E and F colonies, the same fee will be around ₹2.7 lakh, while in category G and H colonies it will drop further to nearly ₹1.62 lakh.
Similarly, an industrial property spread across 1000 square meters earlier had to pay ₹57.67 lakh. Now, the charge has been reduced to about ₹8.91 lakh.
The Delhi government says these changes are aimed at giving people a more convenient and affordable system while encouraging better water management practices.
