In a bid to give relief to people of unauthorised colonies ahead of coming Assembly polls in November, the Delhi Government has decided to reduce sewer connection charges from Rs 41,000 to Rs 5,000 for 100 square yard plot.

Plot holders up to 100 square metre area would be charged just Rs 5,000 for sewer connection instead of Rs 41,000 as per existing per square metre rate. Plot holders up to 100 square yards would get relief of Rs 36,000. Plot holders between 101 square yards and 250 square yards would be charged only Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 82,000, between 251 square yards to 500 square yards just Rs 20,000 and plot holders above 500 square yards would be charged Rs 50,000 as per flat rate.

Currently, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has fixed Rs 494 per square metre for sewer connections in the Capital. The quantum of relief would go up accordingly as per size of the plot. Fixing a flat rate for sewer connection was taken at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Plot holders of unauthorised colonies in categories D to H would get substantial relief. 

Delhi Government has recently started development work in 895 unauthorised colonies. The issue of sewer connection charges is the major issue in unauthorised colonies and MlAs from Congress and BJP have been demanding either a reduction in charges or exempt in view of the coming Assembly polls in Delhi.

“The above flat rates should be deposited by the beneficiaries within three months from the date of notification of the colonies after laying the sewerage system beyond which simple rate of interest will be levied on flat rates at the rate of 10 per cent,” the Cabinet note said. According to the note, these sewer development charges were levied one time on properties located in such localities where water or sewer services have been extended by the DJB without any grant/ non-refundable aid by the Government.

After the Cabinet meet, CM Sheila Dikshit stated that in order to encourage residents of unauthorised colonies to apply for a sewer connection, the Government decided to grant substantial relief in sewer development charges to residents of unauthorised colonies falling under categories D to H.