Officials to inspect if RWAs harvesting rain

Dear Mr. Vohra ji,

You are right and always ! It is true how the RWAs could be held responsible? Notwithstanding, I would like to mention that when the MCD (now EDMC) constructed the storm water drains in our colony, we had suggested two things (i) to give a slope to the entire drain-line so that the water could be channelized properly and will lead to a greater storage space and thereby save the precious rain water and (ii) punch the concrete base of the drainage so that the accumulated water could drain itself to mother earth, which is also a measure of rain water harvesting. Despite repeated pleas, they had not listened to either of the suggestions. As a result water gets accumulated in the storm water drains with silt and become a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes which has been shown to the authorities concerned as well! At our repeated request they(the EDMC) do some cosmetic treatment by taking out the silt under the drainage accumulated over a period of time, before the onset of monsoon and claim that they have done an wonderful service by doing so!

Even now the EDMC instead of doing all this useless work under the banner of 'rain water harvesting' (when there is no rain at all), punch the base of the storm water drains already constructed with a concrete base on sides as well as at the bottom, the accumulated water could seep down to earth and only silt has to be removed from time to time to make it functional. Will the authorities listen to this suggestion! We pray to the Almighty!!

Incidentally, I would like to mention yet an another important aspect relating to 'colony security'. Is it not the sole and whole responsibility of the Police authorities to ensure the 'safety and security' of people and their properties? If so, why the RWAs are forced to make their own arrangements to secure the colony by engaging 'security guards - chowkidars', put up iron gates at the entry and exit points of the colony and guard them too, arrange to provide CCTVs at vantage points etc. In case the Police dept. is having a shortage of personnel to do its sole and basic job, which plea they often take without any logic or base and which has been questioned too by Courts, let them reimburse the expenditure being incurred by the RWAs on this account which is substantial and has to be squeezed from the residents with a beggars bowl by the RWAs! Will it not be constitute a justifiable PIL before the court. Your comments pl. I would suggest this cause should be taken up collectively with the authorities concerned and pleaded in the Courts of Law!

With deep regards,

TK Balu/Anand Vihar

Officials to inspect if RWAs harvesting rain

You have very rightly said Vohra ji,  RWAs have not been given any authority despite their repeated appeals in various meetings with the CM,  DC(Revenue) and the Commissioner, MCD/EDMC.  Even, our request that RWAs should be consulted before starting any development work in their respective areas, has not been heard.  Policies and decisions are made in air-conditioned rooms without knowing the ground realities. 

Empowerment of RWAs is an important issue being raised by different RWAs for a long time.  I think it is time that we raise it with the LG, if the government wants a positive support and participation of RWAs.  Bhagidari was an avenue to raise our problems and concerns, that too has been scrapped.

R. N. Gupta

Priyadarshini Vihar RWA

Officials to inspect if RWAs harvesting rain

Residents welfare associations can soon expect government officials to make inspections of rainwater harvesting structures in their colonies. After National Green Tribunal formed a committee on Friday to take stock of rainwater harvesting (RWH) in the city and directed it to conduct site visits to each RWA to check the condition of RWH structures, if any.

Looks STRANGE that while RWAs have no Authority, no Power, no Funds, no Space (even for their own offices ), Govt. is expecting if RWAs are harvesting rains. Though the Group housing societies may have such structures under the check & control of RWAs, how the Govt can expect it from RWAs of the other open colonies.

They must check with the authorities that : if any land has been alloted to RWAs for RWH ? If any funds have been provided to the RWAs for RWH ? If any Power or Authority has been given to RWAs for RWH ? 

The truth is that most of the colonies don't even have separate drains for sewage & rain water. Waterloging in almost every part of the city is a clear cut example that most of the colonies don't even have suitable drains. The truth is that even the drinking water pipelines pass through the drains in many areas of the city & that's the reason for dirty water in their taps. The truth is that Delhi needs a rainwater policy first and a plan to have RWH structures that can be monitored easily. 

B S Vohra

Officials to inspect if RWAs harvesting rain

NEW DELHI: Residents welfare associations can soon expect government officials to make inspections of rainwater harvesting structures in their colonies. After National Green Tribunal formed a committee on Friday to take stock of rainwater harvesting (RWH) in the city and directed it to conduct site visits to each RWA to check the condition of RWH structures, if any, the environment department is all set to coordinate this mammoth exercise. Four teams with two officials in each will be making site visits in all districts starting later this week. Officials say the month's time given by NGT to submit the report is too little to cover the entire city.

Agencies are also worried about some practical issues. The bench has directed: "Any public body, corporations, authorities and the government will not allot land to any society or issue completion certificate or occupancy certificate for any house unless it contains the stipulation that rain harvesting system should be installed and made operational. In such occupancy or allotment letter issued, this condition should be satisfied and it is required to be recorded by the authority concerned after personal inspection."

The environment department had submitted to NGT that it is not equipped to monitor RWH structures in Delhi. "We have only four technical officers. How can they monitor so many areas? We feel the responsibility should be given to the land owning agency or corporation who anyway visit new constructions," said a senior official from the environment department. Delhi Jal Board has also not started enforcing RWH on a large scale. In most places including Chennai and Bangalore, the water supplying agency is responsible for RWH, though in Mumbai it's the municipal corporation.

DJB cites a staff crunch to explain why it will be unable to supervise RWH. An official said, "The department is already stretched to the limit and has to handle other works like metering, supplying of water, maintenance of infrastructure, etc. It just does not have the resources to monitor implementation of rainwater harvesting."

Delhi needs a rainwater policy first and a plan to have RWH structures that can be monitored easily, say experts. "I think Delhi should look at largescale structures at the colony level where there can be underground rainwater harvesting pits in parks and other open spaces..They should tap wetlands, storm water drains and parks.

Each colony can see to it that no sewage enters their storm water drains so that they can be used for recharge. The government can institutionalize a monitoring system easily for these," Nitya Jacob,head of policy, WaterAid India, said.

The committee formed by NGT consists of officials from Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi government and Central Ground-Water Board.

with thanks : Times of India : LINK

DJB Audit issue !

Today morning, we had a meeting with Dr Harsh Vardhan, Health Minister, at his residence & he also supported the issue that an immediate order for the CAG Audit of DJB must be issued. Awaiting a meeting with LG now.

Thanks

B S Vohra

That’s a wonderful development ! Congrats on your perseverance of the cause for the rights of citizens! Rajesh Kumar

Your continued efforts will definately be fruitful for the entire public of Delhi. While meeting with LG we must be well prepared on the points to be raised.With best wishes, Vijay Kochhar

Greetings! Good attempt appreciate the same.Suggest to meet Mr Piyush Goel for POWER asap,will alos try and accompany( If acceptable to you) you and Lt Gov too if advised well in time before. Good Day! B.Rgds. B.B.Tewari

Excellent.  Keep it up Sir. R. N. Gupta  Priyadarshini Vihar RWA

Power rates may be hiked by 15-20% by July 20

STRANGE & SHOCKING, while the CAG Audit is going on & DISCOMs are trying to avoid / delay it by whatever means possible, DERC seems to have become the Mouthpiece of DISCOMs. 

Inspite of the requests of a large number of RWAs at the Public Hearing, that there should be no hike in Power Tariff, till the CAG Audit is completed & the Audit report is out, DERC seems determined to do it at the earliest possible.

We hereby request to all the Elected members of Delhi Assembly, ( even though no Govt. is formed & LG is the head ), to meet the LG & make him understand the gravity of the situation.

B S Vohra

Delhi Jal Board Audit RTI on Delhi Aajtak : Must View

Must View : Plz click the Link if you cant see the video below.

Reply sought from Delhi Jal Board !

Dear Shri Vohra ji,

Sometime in Feb. 2013 DJB had changed meters on their own in our Block B1A Janakpuri in many of the flats. However in some of the flats which were locked or where the residents refused to get the new meters in lieu of old working/nonworking one, they were not changed. Where the new meters were installed no bills have been served on them since March 2013 in spite reminders. Meter readers visit every two months and record the readings. Some flat owners of new meters received bills claiming arbitrary charges not based on readings. When they complained their bills were taken back for rectification. I cannot understand why DJB is not serving the bills and why other flat owners were not extended the scheme of replacing the water meters as done in block B1A.

Vohraji, please take up the matter with DJB to find out how meters were replaced in some flats and not in the entire area and why claims of water charges are not being made for more than one year?

Regards,

Satyendra Malik

B1A Janakpuri

Dear Vohra ji,

B3A Block of Janakpuri is a low income group DDA apartment colony. The water meters were installed by MCD which were transferred to Jal Board with assets and liabilities. About 85 meters in 300 flats are lying as stopped. Jal Board has given to RWA in writing that they would replace them. But no action. They are charging average rate arbitrarily. When the information was sought through RTI to know the basis of average charging, no reply was given. With the intervention of Central Information Commissioner, only one meter at B3A/58-A, Janakpuri was replaced. 

I suggest Shri Vohra to take up the issue with Lt. Governor.

S.K. Chandan,

Chairman, RWA, B3A Block Janakpuri, New Delhi.

No DJB Audit, Since years : Your comments please !

RTI Filed by B S Vohra revealed that no audit is being done at Delhi Jal Board since 2008 - 09 onwards. As a result, we can neither judge the profitability nor locate any leakages of funds & discrepancies as no Audited statements as well Audit report is available. Than how come DJB  is continuously raising the water Tariff by 10% every year + 60% as sewerage charges, since last SIX years, putting a huge burden on the general public  ????? : East Delhi RWAs Joint Front

Chahe BSES ho ya fir DJB sub c__r ya youn kahie D__u hain.  Most disgusting thing is what was the Chairperson of DJB doing all these years?  You are doing an excellent job Vohra ji, we are all with you. R. N. Gupta, Priyadarshini Vihar RWA

Though I am a little unwell but for such Noble cause where interest of whole delhi, Rich and Poor is involved I am available to join / strengthen ÿour Team. Life mei Paise to sab kamate hei, Logo ki Duhaye kamane ka Maza hi kuch or hei. Keep up your fight Janab. Shiv Lal Watwani

Keep it up bro.... Neema Bhagat


It's a serious concern and need to be highlighted. Corruption must be checked in DJB. Sandeep Kapoor

You have rightly requested the LG to order a CAG audit of DJB for the last so many years. LG is a busy official so better go to his palace and seek an  instant appointment if you do not get any response within the first week of July. Matter is most urgent and quite serious also.  Prof. S. Sitaraman

Dear Residents ........Read the SHOCKING affairs of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) at RWABhagidari.blogspot.com This is high handed ness of Govt Deptt. 10 Percent hike every year by a Govt Deptt  for the last couple of years and still continuing and that too for most essential life saving item is a height of cheating  by GOVT to its citizens. We need to unite and raise our efforts for justice. S L Watwani

SHOCKING!  What was the Delhi Govt  doing all these years ? R. N. Gupta Priyadarshini Vihar RWA

RTI में यह बात खुल कर सामने आई है की 2008 - 09 से अब तक दिल्ली जल बोर्ड का कोई भी ऑडिट नही हुआ......

जो दिल्ली जल बोर्ड सारी दिल्ली को पानी सप्लाइ करता है, जिस दिल्ली जल बोर्ड की करोड़ों की टर्नोवर है, जिस दिल्ली जल बोर्ड को करोड़ों रुपए नई पाइप लाइन्स डालने के लिए सरकार से मिलते हैं, उस दिल्ली जल बोर्ड का कोई भी ऑडिट नही करवाया जाता....... 

RTI में यह बात खुल कर सामने आई है की 2008 - 09 से अब तक दिल्ली जल बोर्ड का कोई भी ऑडिट नही हुआ...... यानी की किसी को भी नही पता की दिल्ली जल बोर्ड की असलीयत क्या है..... क्या सब कुछ ठीक है या कुछ गड़बड़ है..... कितना पैसा कलेक्ट किया गया और कितना कलेक्ट होना था..... कितना पैसा किधर किधर खर्चा गया..... कितना प्रॉफिट असल में हुआ इसका कोई परमणिक डॉक्युमेंट नही है क्योंकि दिल्ली जल बोर्ड ने पिछले कई सालों से कोई भी ऑडिट नही करवाया..... 

hairangi है की इस सब के बावजूद, दिल्ली जल बोर्ड, हर साल 10% पानी का टॅरिफ बड़वा देती है और लोगों को उस पर 60% sewer चार्ज भी देना पड़ता है.....  

इसलिए, इस RTI के मद्दे नज़र हम एल जी साहिब से गुहार लगाते हैं की जल्द से जल्द दिल्ली जल बोर्ड का ऑडिट करवाया जाए और पानी का दाम जब से ऑडिट नही हुआ है, उतना कम कर देना चाहिए और excess कलेक्षन्स जनता को वापिस कर देनी चाहिए.

Thasnks

B S Vohra
East Delhi RWAs Joint Front - Federation

New power tariffs likely to be declared next week

NEW DELHI: In the coming week, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission is expected to announce new power tariffs. While political parties are gearing up to protest in the eventuality of a rise, the commission says tariff announcements are in line with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity's directions to maintain regular power supply in the city. The regulator also clarified that the ongoing CAG audit will have no bearing on the tariff announcement.

Though the content of the announcement is still a matter of speculation, sources say discoms are likely to be allowed higher power purchase costs especially in light of the recent spat between BSES and NTPC over payment issues.

BSES discoms are counting heavily on higher tariffs in order to make regular payments to NTPC and other generators and also to get financial assistance from banks and lending agencies. The Commission has also recognized a Rs 11,400 revenue gap for all discoms to be recovered in future years, so that is expected to have a considerable impact on tariff as well.

Other announcements expected are time-of-the-day metering, with the DERC toying with the option of extending the service to domestic category consumers. Consumer activists and stakeholders had opposed this in the recently held public hearing. DERC has also said that the ongoing CAG audit will not have any bearing on the coming tariff announcement.

"CAG is doing the past years' audit while we are doing an estimation for the future. It's our job to ensure discoms maintain regular electricity supply to Delhi and enable them to make payments. Once the audit is complete and the findings disclosed, we will analyze it accordingly but, at present, tariff determination will continue," said a DERC official.

Earlier this year, DERC finally acknowledged discoms have a massive regulatory overhang that has to be cleared and approved a Rs 8000-crore liquidation plan over an eight-year period. "The liquidation of the revenue gap of Rs 3,643 crore for BRPL, Rs 1,998 crore for BYPL and Rs 2,359 crore for TPDDL is proposed in a scheduled manner through equal instalments, to avoid tariff burden on consumers. The annual instalments allowed to be liquidated are Rs 424 crore for BSES Yamuna Pvt Ltd (BYPL), Rs 769 crore for BSES Rajdhani Pvt Ltd (BRPL) and Rs 478 crore for Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (TPDDL)," the DERC letter said.

with thanks : Times of India : LINK