The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) supplies water and runs the sewer network in most of Delhi. For a new building, DJB matters at three points: the building plan (rainwater harvesting and water conservation), the water and sewer connections, and, for larger projects, its comments in the single-window building permit process.

Rainwater harvesting is compulsory

  • Buildings on plots of 100 sq m and above must have a rainwater harvesting (RWH) system. Building plans are not sanctioned without it, and the system is checked before the completion certificate.
  • If a building does not have a working RWH system, DJB can add a 50% penalty to the monthly water bill. Delhi's pollution control committee has also recommended heavier fines to the National Green Tribunal.
  • Since the Unified Building Bye-Laws 2016, plots above 105 sq m must also meet green building norms for water conservation, solar energy and energy efficiency.

Water and sewer connection

  1. Apply online to DJB with ownership documents, the sanctioned building plan (or completion certificate) and ID.
  2. Pay the connection and road-cutting charges.
  3. DJB inspects and provides the connection; a meter is mandatory.

For larger and group-housing projects, DJB also checks water demand and sewage disposal as part of the building permit.

Good practice for your building

  • Design the RWH pit or recharge well, with a silt chamber, where it can be cleaned.
  • Separate roof rainwater from sewage lines.
  • Install a meter and an overhead tank of the right size from the start.
  • Keep the RWH system clean before every monsoon – a blocked system counts as non-compliant.

Sources: India Water Portal on DPCC report to NGT (updated January 2024); Centre for Science and Environment – rainwater harvesting legislation in Delhi; PIB – Unified Building Bye-Laws for Delhi 2016.

Building in Delhi? Design Tech+ includes rainwater harvesting and water design in your sanction drawings. Talk to us.