Leader of Opposition of Delhi Assembly and BJP MLA Ramvir Singh Bidhuri on Friday alleged that Delhi government has increased development charges on water and sewer connection without any intimation after increasing the power purchase adjustment cost (PPAC). Meanwhile, Delhi Jal Board has denied the allegations saying that levy on water and sewer development charges has already been abolished by DJB providing significant relief to the consumers.
In a statement, Bidhuri said that sewage rates have also been increased in a similar pattern of PPAC on electricity. "Development fee of Rs. 2.5 lakhs is now levied for domestic sewage connection for 200 square metre plots and it would increase to Rs. 4.5 lakhs for commercial connection," Bidhuri alleged. Bidhuri has demanded immediate withdrawal of the hiked electricity rates and the increase in water-sewer development charges so that the public can get relief.
He added that the DJB gave excuse of infrastructure charges to increase the development charges. Previously, the development fee for domestic water connection was Rs. 100 per square meter which has now increased to Rs. 220.50. Similarly, development fee is increased to three lakhs eighty thousand from 20 thousand for 200 square metres plot.
He further added that a sum of Rs. 7 lakhs has to be paid for commercial plot of 200 square meters.
"The levying of Infrastructure charges has been restarted in October 2020 and it is applicable only for those properties which have area more than 200 sq.mtr. Properties which are less than 200 sqm are still exempted. Rate of this IFC is according to the category of colonies with less impact on middle and low end of colonies. The rates vary as per the property tax classification of the colonies," the DJB said.