New Delhi, October 27: 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 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 Rs 2 to Rs 3 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 Rs seven to Rs 14 per kilolitre while a tree fold increase is sought per kilo litre for usage beyond 30 kilo litre.
—Agencies