Overview

• At its 174th board meeting on Friday, the DJB gave in-principle approval to convert the vacant bungalow into a human resources and engineering training centre.
• Water minister Parvesh Verma announced the decision, with officials saying a detailed plan will now be prepared.
• The property has been unoccupied since September 2023 after former CEO Udit Prakash Rai vacated it following his suspension by the Union home ministry.
• The vigilance department’s 2023 notice cited ASI records of a Sayyid-era ‘Mahal’ and gateway at the site and flagged accommodation violations, including a 700 sqm build against a 403 sqm limit and a construction cost near ₹4 crore.
• The board also approved consumer relief on Friday, including a 100% waiver of late payment surcharge on water bills, interest on delayed payments cut to 2% from 5%, and lower charges to legalise unauthorised connections.