DJB to waive off arrears for borewell users

NEW DELHI: Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will waive off the arrears on sewer charges for past use of borewells and there will be no charges for residents who seal their borewells in Dwarka and Palam areas, asserted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday.

"There will be no charges from residents who seal borewells and water meters will be installed for those who wish to continue using borewells in these areas," the Chief Minister said, after he met residents in Dwarka, along with local MLA and leaders.

The Chief Minister added that outstanding penalties on non-installation of rainwater harvesting systems will be waived off.

However, all residential societies will have to install these systems within six months, i.e. before June 30. After this date, annual certification will be done by DJB officials.

Residents with outstanding bills have been facing issues as the Delhi Development Authority has not furnished the complete data to the DJB. "Till the DDA data is furnished, outstanding DDA dues will not be enforced on residents," said Kejriwal.

He also assured that he will personally talk to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, who also serves as the DDA chairperson, about the issue.

A DJB official said, "After listening to grievances of residents, the CM announced that individual complaints like inflated bills, will be addressed within a week and for the convenience of residents, a cash counter will be set-up at Dwarka Sector-5."

During his meeting with Dwarka residents, the CM discussed various issues mostly regarding water.

Since taking charge of the Water department, Kejriwal has received various complaints on water connectivity in the area.