Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday showcased his party’s different brand of politics by announcing that despite the free water scheme his team in Delhi Jal Board had earned Rs 178 crore more than last financial year.
“We took people along and they have cooperated for our success,” said Kejriwal at the launch of an app for online water bill generation and payment.
Kejriwal said the free water scheme – giving 20,000 litres per month per metered household – was criticised due to fear of losses but the model has proved right our governance model that has promoted water saving and boosted revenue.
The M-Seva Mobile App would allow consumers instant self bill generation and online payment 24X7. It will also enable consumers to take water meter reading on their own.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the encouraging public participation in the odd-even road rationing scheme and said the AAP government's principle is to empower and involve people in governance.
Referring to the free water scheme, Kejriwal said the increase in revenue has even baffled the most vicious critics of the AAP government.
He said the government was focused on taking, in two years, piped water supply to colonies which are home to poor people so that everyone could lead a life of dignity.
The Chief Minister’s promise for better water supply in the city came in the backdrop of a sever water shortage in central parts of the city over the past two-three days.
The shortage has been caused due to partial forced closure of Wazirabad and Chandrawal water treatment plants due to high content of ammonia in raw Yamuna water reaching he units.
Sanjay Srivastava, a resident of Paharganj area, complained: “What is the benefit of apps when the DJB cannot arrange water tankers for us at the time of crisis.”
Earlier, DJB officials said the app would help busy water consumers who find it difficult to line up in queue at bill collection counters and give the water utility seamless connectivity and a direct interaction with them.
Kejriwal, who heads the DJB, said the launch of the app was just the first step and very soon the government would come up with more innovative solutions to provide convenience to the public.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said: “Mobile apps are becoming so functional and popular among consumers and the DJB has taken the right step by launching this mobile app.”
“It is like taking consumer engagement to the next level where DJB is enabling the consumers to take water meter reading on their own,” he said.
Published 23 January 2016, 02:20 IST