DJB registers over 1 lakh new connections for water, sewer

Over one lakh people from unauthorized colonies of Delhi came forward to avail new connections after DJB reduced the sewer and water development charges on June 26 for a period of three months.
According to senior official of Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the one-time 80 per cent reduction came into force in the month of June 26 and will last till September 25.
DJB is expecting more people to come forward to take new connection during last week.
"Delhi government had reduced the sewer and water development charges on June 26 for a period of three months. Thousands of households are coming forward everyday to submit application for new connection. So far number of new applications has gone over one lakh," senior DJB officer said.

Development charges in unauthorized colonies were reduced by 80 per cent to enable people of unauthorized colonies to take regular water and sewer connections.
"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 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 and H category of unauthorized Colonies, being used for residential purposes with plot area up to and including 200 sqm under domestic and mixed use category.

DJB has also reduced the regularization charges for illegal connections in other residential areas from Rs 18,000 to Rs 3,300.
From September 26, original sewer and water development charges as well as regularization charges will be applicable, official said.
"The applications for new connections can be submitted in the office of the zonal revenue officer. The facility of online application and online payment is also available. DJB also organized camps in various locations across Delhi to collect application for sewer and water connections which received encouraging response," senior officer said.
According to official, special arrangements have been made to receive the application in the office of the zonal revenue officer till the last date (September 25), as DJB is expecting large number of people to apply during the last week.

DJB has also launched enforcement drive against illegal connections. In last one month, more than 4,000 people have been prosecuted for having illegal connections and misusing water. The driver will be intensified in the coming month, officer said.