Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has extended the last date for installation of new water meters by one more month since it did not receive a positive response to its drive that was launched last year. The extension, officials say, was given since consumers were facing problems in procuring the specified type of meters.
Officials say the meters are now available in the market and if consumers do not get them installed by January 31 the water supply will be disconnected.
Sources say the water utility has been losing crores through non-metered connections and also due to faulty meters because billing takes places through a system of average consumption. Out of 17 lakh connections, there are about five lakh connections with faulty meters and about a lakh of nonmetered connections. Since 2005, the utility has lost approximately Rs 174 crore by adopting the practice of billing based on average consumption.
The meters were supposed to be in place by March 2008, but the deadline has since been extended several times.
``Initially, consumers were reluctant to install these meters, but with DJB issuing an ultimatum, the response been very good. There was a shortage of the specified magnetic multi-jet meters in the market, but now these meters are available. We have extended the deadline so that those who faced problems in getting the meters earlier can install it now. With revised tariff now in place, consumers who do not install such meters by January 31 will be charged on the basis of actual amount of water consumed,'' said an official.
According to sources, the water meters that have been specified by DJB are B class, multi-jet magnetically coupled, inferential type with bronze or brass body certified by ISI/ISO. They can be purchased from any hardware store in Delhi. The meters carry a certificate with a unique identification number. The installation of these meters has to be done only by a licensed DJB plumber. Once the installation is complete, a report has to be submitted to the respective zonal revenue official.
Source : Times of India
Once consumer installs the meter, they need to write to the Zonal officer along with a meter testing report & the warranty card. Only than the DJB will register the new meter & start billing accordingly.
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