Double delight: Sewerage charges too will go now

NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday also fulfilled its promise of 20,000 litres of free water to every household from March 1. About 13 lakh families are eligible for the freebie that will cost the government Rs 270 crore till March 31 next year. However, if their water consumption exceeds 20 kilolitres—even if by one litre—they will be billed at the full rate for the entire amount and pay at least Rs 884.

The beneficiaries also don't need to pay sewerage charges. "Free water is understandable but sewer charges should have been continued. Providing free water does not mean that no sewage is being generated. The waiver will cost Delhi Jal Board (DJB) about Rs 250 per household. The city's sewerage is already in a mess and there will be no benefit from waiving this charge," said a source.

The free volume of 20,000 litres is based on the BIS standard of 135 litres per capita per day for a family with an average of five members.

Unlike last year, group housing societies will also be eligible for free water, however, the benefit to occupants will remain on paper since societies are supplied water through bulk meters. The subsidy does not cover Delhi Cantt and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) areas, which also get Delhi Jal Board supply. The government has left it to their administrative boards to provide subsidies.

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said the government has allocated Rs 20 crore for subsidizing water in March and Rs 250 crore will be earmarked for financial year 2015-16. "The final cost is likely to be lower than this but we have set aside some amount for contingencies. The government spent Rs 31 crore on providing free water in the last quarter of 2013-2014," he sai

In 2014, when the first AAP government rolled out the 'lifeline water' scheme, it increased water tariff by 10% for those who consume more water.

Of the 38 lakh-40 lakh households in Delhi, about 20.7 lakh had a water connection on April 1, 2014 but only 17.8 connections were metered. This time, 'category B' consumers—small commercial establishments run from residential plots of 100 sqm or less—are also eligible for free water. The total number of beneficiaries is about 15 lakh.

"Last year, some 10 lakh-11 lakh families benefitted. This year, about 2,500 group housing societies and about 50,000 category B consumers have also been included," said a source.