AAP Govt. should withdraw hike in water tariff: Congress

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Maken on Thursday condemned the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government's move to raise water tariff by 10 percent and demanded its withdrawal.

"It is very unfortunate that the Delhi Jal Board has decided to raise the water tariff by 10 percent and that too one month has passed when AAP has come to power. It is unfortunate because what was promised to the people of Delhi was reduction of water tariff," he told ANI.

"Instead of reducing, it is increasing 10 percent and that too Kejriwal had earlier promised that they will replace the meters, the meters are also not being replaced, and the faulty meters are still being put in. We strongly condemn it and Kejriwal should withdraw this," he added.

The Delhi Jal Board has increased the water tariff for consumption over 20,000 litre water per house per month. As per reports, the new rates will become effective from next month.

This move comes days after the AAP Government had announced free 20,000 litres of water per month to every household.

The Delhi Jal Board is being headed by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.