Delhi Govt cuts sewer, water development charges by 80 pc

In a major relief to the people living in unauthorised colonies, Delhi Government today decided to reduce one-time sewer and water development charges for new connections by 80 per cent.
According to officials, the long-pending decision got approved during a cabinet meeting here.
Sewer development charges have been reduced from Rs 494 per square metre to Rs 100 per square metre and water development charges from Rs 440 per square metre to Rs 100 per square metre.
The officials said the new charges will be applicable to domestic and mixed land use consumer up to the plot size of 200 square metres. People can avail the benefit of discounted rate for three months from the date of notification.

People who fail to avail this benefit within the stipulated time of three months will have to pay the charges as per existing rates.
"Reduction in the charges will benefit lakhs of people living in about 1,700 unauthorised colonies in the city. As per the existing rate one end up paying Rs 98,800 for a plot of 200 sq metres but as per the new rate a user will only have to pay Rs 20,000 saving Rs 78,800.

Similarly, for water development charge a user will be able to save Rs 68,000 paying just Rs 20,000 for a 200 square metre plot," one of officials said.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also directed the Delhi Jal Board to organise special camps to facilitate new water and sewer connections under discounted rates.
He also asked DJB to take up awareness campaign to the new rates. He emphasised that the citizen should get water and sewerage connection in a hassle free manner.
Presently piped-water supply is available in 917 unauthorised colonies and sewerage line has been laid in 152 colonies. The resident of these colonies can avail the facility immediately.
Beside these, piped-water supply and sewerage services will be made available by DJB in a number of new colonies during the current financial year. Residents of these colonies can also avail the benefit of new rates within a period of three months of notification of new colonies.