After bus fares, Delhi govt set to increase water charges

It will be a double whammy for Delhiites as after hiking bus fares, the city government is now all set to increase the water charges.

The board meeting of Delhi Jal Board chaired by chief minister Sheila Dikshit today in principle agreed that there was no other way but to hike the water charges to meet the increasing revenue shortfall.

However, a final decision to increase the water charges have been postponed to next month.

Dikshit said she has asked the officials to "rationalise the proposed slabs" and incorporate suggestions given by some members of the board.

"We reviewed the tariff structure. Three-four slabs have been suggested. I have asked them to rationalise the tariff structure," Dikshit told reporters after the meeting.

She said the final decision will be taken next month and the new rates could come into effect from January next year.

DJB CEO Ramesh Negi said the agency needs more funds to complete several projects ahead of next year's Commonwealth Games.

Sources said DJB wants a hike from Rs2 to Rs3 for per kilo litre of water for usage in the range of 7 kilo litre to 20 kilo litre. For usages between 21 kilo litre to 30 kilo litre, they proposed to hike from Rs7 to Rs14 per kilolitre while a tree fold increase is sought per kilo litre for usage beyond 30 kilo litre. Currently DJB charges Rs10 per kilolitre for usage above 30 kilotre. DJB does not levy any charge for usage of first six kilo litre.

The DJB  board also cleared several key projects which included improving sewage infrastructure also.

The Board provided administrative approval to the laying of a relief sewer from the Kirti Nagar Metro Station on Patel road to Sunil Bakshi Marg to collect sewage from the Patel Nagar area and nearby unauthorised colonies.

The project will cost Rs13.69 crore and will be completed in 18 months.

The board has also given approval to construct 23 Sewage Treatment Plants on built operate and transfer basis at a cost of Rs 41.78 crore. The project is likely to be completed in 15 months and would improve sewage facilities for the residents of Mahipalpur, Rangpuri.

Approval was also given for the  53.5 MGD (Million Gallon per day) sewage pumping station at Preet Vihar which will cost Rs27 crore.

Administrative approval was also accorded to the replacement of the leak-prone and two decades old Mehrauli and Munirka water pipes.

The Board also gave go ahead to construction of the 2 MGD under ground reservoir at Shankar Vihar complex. The estimated cost of the project is Rs20.73 crore. This project will improve water supply to residential complex of the Armed forces.