CAG finds DJB's accounts not true and fair, ₹2,243 crore ADB funding withdrawn

Who it concerns: Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi

What the auditor found

• Estimated revenue loss of ₹4,988 crore due to Non-Revenue Water (NRW) between 2017-22.
• Total outstanding loan and interest stood at ₹66,595 crore as of March 2022.
• Asian Development Bank withdrew financing of ₹2,243 crore for the rehabilitation of Wazirabad WTP.
• DJB paid a penalty of ₹25 lakh to the Central Pollution Control Board for delayed action on sewage issues.
• 212.59 MGD of untreated sewage from 1,080 unauthorized colonies was dumped into storm water drains.
• 55% (8,933 out of 16,234) of tested groundwater samples were found unfit for potable purposes.
• Transmission loss of water increased from 16% to 21% during 2017-22.
• Staff shortage increased from 23.09% to 32.12% during the audit period.
• Recommendations include formulating a water policy, installing flow meters, strengthening quality labs, and expediting collection of outstanding dues.

Also in the document

• CAG found that DJB's accounts do not depict a 'true and fair picture' of the organization's affairs.
• CAG reported that 212.59 MGD of untreated sewage from 1,080 unauthorized colonies was dumped into storm water drains.
• CAG noted that the Asian Development Bank withdrew ₹2,243 crore in financing due to deficiencies in project planning.
• CAG stated that 55% of groundwater samples tested were unfit for drinking.
• CAG found that DJB incurred more than 50% of its revenue expenditure on staff salaries, leaving fewer resources for development.