New Delhi, Apr 16 (PTI) In a move aimed at overhauling the capital’s water billing system, the DJB has initiated the process to reconstitute its panel of empanelled water meter manufacturers, officials said on Thursday.
The last such exercise was undertaken in 2018 when the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) invited companies to demonstrate their products as per the modifications set by the officials and empanel them for domestic connections.
“There are about 29.90 lakh metered water connections all over Delhi. Since the water meters play a vital role in revenue generation of the DJB, it is absolutely necessary to review the entire metering aspects and revamp it in view of the latest technological advancements in metering,” a DJB official said.
According to officials, there have been several customer complaints regarding inaccurate billing due to faulty meters or careless readings.
At present, 10 water meter models of nine manufacturers are empanelled for the installation of water meters for the DJB consumers of 15 mm diameter water meters.
“These are mostly used in domestic connections; any person replacing their own water meter or getting a new connection deposits the water meter security amount to DJB, which installs the meters,” officials added.
Recognising that water billing has become a major source of distress for households. Last month, water minister Parvesh Sahib Singh had announced initiatives, including the creation of a digital database of all connections.
“The meter manufacturer shall implement all the modifications and suggestions by the DJB. The water meter manufacturer shall submit details of the meter model offered and one sample of each model of water meters for shortlisting them for further examination,” a DJB official said.
In 2022, the DJB tried to bring in smart water meters with enhanced facilities, like giving customers the option to provide information through an application, enabling them to register complaints easily and apply for new water connections. However, the project could not be implemented at full scale except in a few areas, officials added. PTI SSM SSM HIG HIG
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