Delhi proposes ₹10,000-per-acre monthly tariff for farmhouse treated water

Delhi’s proposed Reclaimed Water Policy would charge farmhouses ₹10,000 an acre each month to use treated water for lawns and other eligible non-drinking purposes.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and water minister Parvesh Verma announced the proposal. It also sets a one-time infrastructure charge of ₹1 lakh an acre for a connection. The Delhi Jal Board has approved the policy and is to consult stakeholders before sending it to the government for final approval.

Delhi treats about 750 million gallons of sewage a day. Of the 483 million gallons available for reuse, roughly 120 million gallons is currently used, leaving about 363 million gallons for further use.

The policy would identify Reclaimed Water Service Areas near compliant sewage-treatment plants and connected sewer networks. Construction sites of 500 square metres or more in these areas would have to use reclaimed water for dust suppression, curing, washing and road watering.

Bulk users would shift to reclaimed water in phases, with the policy aiming for full use in eligible non-drinking applications by 2036. It proposes separate pipes and storage, colour coding, metering and inspections, with penalties for violations.