NDMC to levy environmental compensation fee

NEW DELHI: Following the directives of National Green Tribunal, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to levy environmental compensation fees in areas under its jurisdiction with effect from July 1.
NGT had in May this year directed Delhi govt, Delhi Jal Board and all Municipal Corporations, Cantonment Board, electricity companies like BSES and all other civic authorities to levy environmental compensation fee from every household which is generating sewage in the national capital.
"In view of the directions of NGT, it has now been decided that the minimum sewerage charge to be collected from every household would be Rs 100. If the amount of sewerage charge in a billing cycle works out to be more than Rs 100, the actual amount of sewerage charge would be collected," the civic body said in a statement.
"Households which are not in the water billing network of NDMC, shall be required to pay environmental compensation fees as per the formula based on sanctioned load of electricity, that is up to Rs 100 for upto 2 kW, Rs 250 for up to 5 kW, Rs 500 for up to 10 kW and for more than 10 kW, Rs 1,000," it added.
According to NGT directive, every household in the city will now have have to pay a minimum environment compensation of Rs 100 for generating sewage. The compensation in this regard would be directly proportional to the property tax or water bill whichever is higher and for those who reside in unauthorised colonies or not paying water bills, it would be in the range of Rs 100-500.
"Households which have water connection (sewered and unsewered) and are availing any kind of rebate in water charges or getting or will get free water at any stage in future would also be required to pay environmental compensation fees in accordance with the slab of fee," the civic body said.