Delhi Jal Board seeks 5-year MCD building records amid potential Rs 2,000 crore revenue loss
New Delhi, July 15
The Delhi Jal Board has requested records of building plans from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi covering the last five years, leading to a large-scale investigation into the collection of the Infrastructure Fund Charge being initiated, according to sources.
A review of two years' worth of records revealed that the IFC had not been deposited in approximately 70 per cent of cases.
Buildings larger than 3,000 square meters are being examined separately. It is estimated that outstanding IFC dues for around 300 properties range from Rs 20 crore to Rs 50 crore. The initial assessments indicate outstanding government revenue of approximately Rs 2,000 crore.
The Jal Board has also requested complete records spanning 10 years. The process involves issuing notices for outstanding IFC dues, followed by recovery actions.
Failure to make payments could lead to measures such as sealing of premises and even auctions.
Delhi Water Minister Pravesh Verma stated that strict action in accordance with the law will be taken against violators, but everyone will be given a full opportunity to present their case.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm all for accountability, but the Jal Board should also look inward—why didn't they catch this earlier? The MCD and DJB share responsibilities, and this lack of coordination is typical Delhi bureaucracy. Also, auctioning properties seems extreme; maybe start with notices and fines first. Let's give people a chance to pay without fear of losing their homes.
Typical Delhi! 70% of cases haven't paid IFC? That's a full-blown scam 🤦🏽♂️ The rich builders are laughing all the way to the bank, and we common people end up paying more taxes. Minister Verma's tough talk is welcome, but let's see if it translates into actual action. I'll believe it when I see buildings sealed.
This is a good step, but I hope the recovery process is fair. Not all property owners are big builders; some might be middle-class families who didn't know about the charge. The government should send clear notices and offer a payment plan, not just threaten sealing and auctions. Communication is key 🇮🇳
As an expat living in Delhi, I find this story sadly familiar. Infrastructure charges are collected but often misused or lost in red tape. If the DJB can recover even half of this ₹2,000 crore, it could revolutionize water supply in the city. But will they? I'm skeptical. Let's see some transparency in how the recovered funds are spent.
Just another day in Delhi's bureaucratic circus. MCD doesn't share records, DJB comes knocking years
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