Delhiites to pay for using sewers

The monthly levy will be in the range of Rs 150 to Rs 2,500 depending on the size of the premises. Premises having built up area above 1,000 sq metre will be charged Rs 2,500 while premises having built up area between 501 square metre to 1,000 square metre will have to pay Rs 1,500 per month.

Premises having built up area up to 500 sq metre will be charged Rs 1,000 for using the DJB sewer system while premises with a built up area of upto 200 sq metre will have to pay Rs 150 per month,officials said.

The board meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

The board also decided to constitute a ‘Sewer Gang’ force in every constituency to remove blockages in sewer lines promptly.

The board also approved a policy under which a rebate of 20 per cent will be given to a property owner on sewerage development charges on clearing outstanding dues within the next three months.

The board announced a slew of user-friendly measures which included an amnesty scheme for regularisation of unauthorised water connections and providing rebate on payment of outstanding dues.

The board meeting decided to launch the amnesty scheme for regularisation of unauthorised water connections on payment of Rs 500 instead of regular fee of Rs 3,000.

The scheme will continue till March 31 and anybody wanting to benefit from the scheme will have to pay sewer maintenance charges plus other applicable fees.

Officials said DJB charges sewer charges for three years to regularise an unauthorised connection but under the scheme fees for only six months will be levied.

The board also decided to extend a special scheme till March 31 under which a certain segment of consumers was given upto 70 per cent rebate on their outstanding dues last year.

Following requests from a large number of consumers,we have decided to extend the scheme till March 31,said a DJB official. The rebate scheme will not be applicable to those cases where the matter is subjudice or pending in court for revision of bill.

The board also approved installation of multi jet meters on its major water pipelines to measure appropriate quantum of water being distributed daily.

Approval was also given to many major projects including laying of water distribution lines in the remaining areas of Wazirabad village and in Bawana.

The DJB also passed several schemes for the benefit of its employees.

Initiating reforms in water billing and installation of meters,board meeting also in principle agreed to involve private sector. It identified South Delhi for privatisation of billing and meter installation in the first phase.

Under the new system,a customer will be able to pay his bills online,officials said.

Private parties will be given responsibility to install water metres in the premises of those consumers who have not yet installed the water metres. The private entity will have to ensure maintenance of the metres for next five years.

The meeting also deliberated on depleting ground water level in the city and discussed the possibility of brining a legislation to prohibit extraction of ground water.

Officials said Delhi Cabinet will further deliberate on the matter.