Top official says draft policy is in final stages; the move will bring down water charges for buildings without occupation certificate where residents have to pay twice the amount currently
Around 55,000 buildings in the city will benefit from the policy. Representation pic
The BMC’s “Water for all” policy will come as a big relief to around 55,000 buildings where the residents currently have to pay double water charges in the absence of occupancy certificate.
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Additional Municipal Commissioner P Velrasu confirmed the development and said, “We are framing the policy draft which is in the final stage. Living in a building that doesn’t have OC is not a mistake of the residents. So we are thinking of reducing the water charge of these buildings to normal charges.” He added, “We will give drinking water to every structure in Mumbai.”
As per Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s current norms, it is not mandatory to provide drinking water to buildings that do not have OC. However, the civic body provides them water on humanitarian grounds by charging double the amount.
The BMC, following a Bombay High Court order, had framed a policy to supply water to post 2,000 slums in the city. However, a civic official said, “That policy doesn’t work as there are some errors. Now BMC is framing a new policy. We will connect to all structures that apply for water connection.”
Residents of the Nilgiri apartment in Marol welcomed the decision. “Our building does not have OC but that is not our fault. We have been paying double water charges for a long time. Now, we will finally get relief,” said Sayyad Salman, a resident.
Civic activist Anil Galgale said, “This will give big relief to residents of the building and also slum dwellers who are not getting water connection. But BMC should take strict action against builders and architects who are responsible for constructing these buildings.” Pani Hakka Parishad’s convenor Sitaram Shelar welcomed the move and said, “We hope every citizen will get drinking water.”
Currently, BMC supplies 3,850 MLD water and the water charge for a residential building is R4.32 for 1,000 litres. In slums, BMC supplies water at the rate of Rs 3.24-3.59 per 1,000 litres.
Rs 4.32
Charge for 1,000 litres of water at residential buildings
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