Delhi makes rainwater harvesting mandatory; penalties for violators

In other government departments, 2,564 installations have been completed out of 3,598 identified sites.

RWH systems have been installed in 4,343 of 4,861 schools and colleges, with a deadline of June 30, 2026, for the remaining institutions.

Data show ₹204.46 crore in rebates was disbursed between 2017 and 2024.

Public outreach is being carried out through Jal Shakti Kendras, which provide technical assistance and awareness on installation and maintenance.

Adequacy and functionality certificates are issued after inspection and require periodic renewal. If irregularities are found during inspections, rebates can be withdrawn and penalties imposed as per norms.

A self-disclosure mechanism is planned under which property owners will annually certify that their RWH systems are functional.

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will be the nodal agency for implementation, monitoring and financial support, providing partial funding and rebates to encourage compliance.

Officials from more than 60 departments of the Delhi government and the Centre attended the meeting, and were directed to ensure installation and functionality of RWH systems across government buildings, parks, residential colonies and institutional campuses before the monsoon.

The minister stated rainwater harvesting in government establishments must be implemented in a serious and time-bound manner. Failure to comply will invite strict action, including an initial 10% cut; if lapses continue, the connection will be disconnected.

Non-compliance may attract penalties, including a 1.5-times increase in water bills and disconnection of supply in persistent cases.

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is offering a 10% rebate on water bills for functional RWH systems, which increases to 15% if both rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems are installed.

Under an existing financial assistance scheme, consumers with plots of 100 square metres and above are eligible for subsidies for installing rooftop RWH systems. For plots between 100 and 499.99 sqm, assistance is capped at 50% of the cost or ₹25,000, whichever is lower, while for plots of 500 sqm and above, the cap increases to ₹50,000.

The Delhi government has made rainwater harvesting mandatory across the city. Water minister Parvesh Verma chaired a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday to outline enforcement measures, timelines and financial incentives.