With the proposal to increase domestic and commercial water rates by 20 per cent, the Delhi Jal Board aims to generate more revenue for providing smooth water supply and proper waste water disposal services for the residents of the national Capital. However, consumers using water below 20,000 litres in a month will continue availing benefit of Government’s free scheme and will not have to pay bill.
“The move will also motivate users to save water by using water under subsidised limit. No change in water tariff in Delhi for households using up to 20,000 litres per month for the third consecutive year,” said the DJB official.
A senior DJB official said in the light of improving deliverables entrusted with the DJB, the proposal was approved by the board for annual enhancement of domestic and commercial water rates by 20 per cent.
“The board had not enhanced these rates since 2015. The raised revenue for the board will be used in expanding the water and wastewater networks across Delhi. However, the consumers will continue to avail the benefits of the 20000 litres free water scheme irrespective of the hike in water and sewer rates,” he said.
He further said with the additional revenue, the board will expand its services to all the localities in an efficient manner. “There are many complaints of water leakage and supply related issues in unregularised colony,” he said.
The official further said that the benefit of the scheme is available under the ‘Free Water Supply’ (up to 20 Kl) policy of the Delhi Government. The scheme has got massive response from the people since its launch and DJB requests more and more consumers to come forward to avail the benefits of the scheme.
It may be noted that the Delhi Jal Board on Tuesday increased a combined water and sewer tariff in the city by 20 percent for consumption of more than 20,000 litres per month.
The Government under its zero billing schemes gives free water to those households where consumption is 20,000 litres or less in a month..