Kamal Ghorui
New Delhi: Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is going to launch a citywide electronic know your customer (e-KYC) drive after officials uncovered a significant mismatch between electricity and water connections. While Delhi has over 60 lakh electricity connections, only about 35 lakh water connections are registered with DJB, raising concerns over unregistered users and possible illegal water supply connections.Water minister Parvesh Verma said the the discrepancy had prompted a detailed verification exercise to clean up consumer records, improve billing accuracy and enhance transparency in water distribution. The e-KYC initiative will involve door-to-door verification of consumers and a comprehensive digital update of customer data across the city.DJB has planned an estimated expenditure of around Rs 60 crore for the project, which has already received approval from the water minister. The exercise will include the collection of consumer photographs, GPS-tagged meter readings and digitally verified records of bill distribution. Officials believe the move will help create a reliable database and reduce irregularities in billing and supply.A key component will be the use of technology-based meter reading through smartphones and handheld devices. Each reading will be GPS-tagged to confirm the physical presence of field staff at the site, reducing the possibility of fake readings. Officials said this system would also improve monitoring of meter conditions, lifespan and maintenance requirements.DJB stated that the move was also aimed at addressing long-standing consumer grievances related to incorrect or delayed water bills. Officials said a large number of consumers did not receive accurate bills, leading to both public inconvenience and significant revenue losses for the board.Officials said technical issues such as faulty meters, billing delays and irregular record updates had contributed to growing dissatisfaction among consumers. The new system is expected to resolve these challenges by ensuring real-time verification and improved accountability, they added.DJB expects the e-KYC drive to be completed within six months, with each consumer’s digital record verified and updated.
