India, July 26 -- Even as the Delhi government explores an amnesty scheme for residential water consumers, the city's water utility is grappling with a deepening financial crisis,one that is worsened by a staggering Rs.63,019 crore in unpaid dues from government departments, data has revealed.

According to the bill pendency report, seen by HT, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has reported bill pendency from 18 government departments - 10 under the central government and eight under the state - with nearly equal contribution to the mounting arrears. Of the total amount, Rs.33,295.79 crore is owed by Delhi government departments, while Rs.29,723.37 crore is pending from central agencies.

The biggest defaulter, the report states, is the Municipal...