DJB can now sanction high-cost projects without Cabinet nod
The CMO noted that these changes aim to eliminate the long-drawn-out approval process that had previously delayed crucial infrastructure work
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The decision was announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who called it a “historic step” towards ensuring faster implementation of critical schemes related to Yamuna rejuvenation (File)A move that could significantly remove administrative hurdles previously faced by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Delhi government on Saturday granted financial autonomy to the civic agency, enabling it to independently approve high-cost projects, including ones exceeding Rs 50 crore.
The decision was announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who called it a “historic step” towards ensuring faster implementation of critical schemes related to Yamuna rejuvenation, drain management, and drinking water supply.
“Our government is committed to delivering result-oriented governance, not entangling people in paperwork,” Gupta was quoted as saying by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Saturday.
“In a historic move, the Delhi government has, for the first time, empowered the Jal Board with real authority to take decisions and complete projects. The institution is no longer symbolic – it has now become truly autonomous and capable. The Board will no longer need to wait for Cabinet approval for projects worth crores of rupees,” stated the CMO in an X post on Saturday.
“This decision to enhance the financial powers of the Delhi Jal Board is not just an administrative reform — it is a revolutionary step towards making governance faster, more accountable, and results-driven. It will strengthen decision-making at every level, reduce delays, and make the system more transparent and responsible. This is a strong beginning in implementing Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ on the ground in Delhi,” it added.
According to the revised provisions, the DJB chairperson can now approve projects up to Rs 50 crore, while the chief executive officer can sanction proposals up to Rs 25 crore. Senior DJB officials handling administration, water supply, or drainage can clear projects worth up to Rs 5 crore. Also, other senior officials have been granted enhanced financial authority under the new system.
The CMO noted that these changes aim to eliminate the long-drawn-out approval process that had previously delayed crucial infrastructure work.
Gupta alleged that the earlier government had curtailed DJB’s financial independence, leading to stagnation in Yamuna clean-up efforts, modernisation of drainage systems, and timely execution of drinking water supply projects. She said that the DJB had effectively been stripped of its powers, rendering it non-functional in critical areas.
“The Delhi Jal Board has now truly been made a ‘Board’ again,” Gupta said, adding that the restored powers would allow it to function with the autonomy and accountability expected of such an institution. “This decision reflects the power of political will and shows that when the intent is clear, large-scale, people-centric reforms can be implemented swiftly and effectively.”
The CM further said that the new framework would reduce the scope for corruption and decisions would be taken in a “more transparent and accountable” manner. “Solutions will now move quickly and projects will be implemented on the ground – not just announced,” Gupta said.
The new system is expected to help fast-track the installation of sewage treatment plants, desilting infrastructure, pipelines, booster stations, and water supply mechanisms across the city.
Sources said the DJB previously faced multiple issues, including having to float low-cost tenders to escape financial bottlenecks that arise with expensive projects. In 2024, the Finance department had also directed that all DJB projects must be geo-tagged before funds could be released – a step aimed at promoting transparency and real-time monitoring.
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