Delhi govt notifies 80% reduction in water, sewer charges

The revised rates are applicable on properties falling in D, E, F, G & H categories of unauthorised colonies

In a relief to people living in unauthorised colonies, Delhi government has notified its scheme of 80 per cent reduction in one-time sewer and water development charges for new connections.

Last month, the Aam Aadmi Party government had declared to slash sewer and water development charges, collected by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), by 80 per cent in such colonies.

According to a senior government official, residents of around 1,700 unauthorised colonies will now be able to avail the benefit of this scheme with urban development department on June 26 notifying the reduced sewer and water development charges.

"The reduction has been drastic and historic with water development charges reduced from Rs 440 per sqm to Rs 100 per sqm while the sewer development charges have been brought down from Rs 494 per sqm to Rs 100 per sqm," the official said.

The revised rates are applicable in case of properties falling in D, E, F, G & H category of unauthorised colonies, being used for residential purposes with plot area up to and including 200 sqm under domestic and mixed use category.

The revised rates will be valid only till September 25, 2015 and thereafter, original rates will be applicable.

According to DJB officials, consumers can also apply online on DJB website www.djb.gov.in or www.delhijalboard.nic.in after logging in Revenue Management System, or can also apply at area zonal revenue office.

DJB CEO Sajjan Singh Yadav said DJB has also launched a liberalised scheme for regularisation of all unauthorised water connections.

"Domestic consumers who have unauthorised water connection may get it regularised on payment of Rs 3,310 instead of Rs 18,000. Similarly, commercial consumers may also get their unauthorised water connections regularised under this scheme," he said.

This scheme is operational till August 27, 2015. However, regularisation of such unauthorised water connections would be done only where technical feasibility exists and Delhi Jal Board water distribution system has been notified and subject to fulfilment of formalities, Yadav added.

DJB has also launched a drive to prosecute people having unauthorised water and sewer connections and are misusing their connections for commercial or industrial purposes.

In the last one month, 1,000 people have been prosecuted for various offences including unauthorised water and sewer connections. The enforcement drive will be intensified and those who do not take legal connection from DJB will be prosecuted.