Noida Authority extends amnesty on water dues for one more month till February 14

NOIDA: The Noida Authority has extended 40% amnesty on penalty/interest arrears accrued on outstanding water bills for one more month starting January 15 to February 14, 2019.
The Authority had announced 40 % amnesty on outstanding water bills till September 30, 2018 for three months starting October 1, 2018.

Under the scheme, 40 % amnesty was provided to consumers who would clear their dues between October 1 -31, then a 30 % relief on such bills if cleared between November 1-30 and a final 20 % relief on bills paid between December 1 - 31, 2018. The relief was to automatically lapse from January 2019. However, on Tuesday the Authority extended the relief for another one month to facilitate those pending clearance of dues.

"We have extended the amnesty plan on water bills for one more month starting from Tuesday that is January 15 to February 14. This is done to facilitate those who have yet not availed the benefit to do so as a last resort,” said B M Pokhriyal from work circle III, water department Noida authority.

“This amnesty window is given to consumers in an effort to encourage them to clear their long pending interest dues on water bills,” said S C Arora deputy general manager Jal and sewer, Noida Authority.

While the Authority collected Rs 12.66 crore during the three month amnesty period from October 1 to December 31, officials say the target still remains to be achieved. “We are still in the process of collating how much dues we have to recover, but the amount collected so far is definitely not meeting the outstanding dues,” said Yogendra Kumar, senior manager water department Noida Authority.

While an average 11 % interest is levied on late water bills, the October to December amnesty window was the last golden opportunity for consumers to avail the said massive discounts on water dues say officials. “With Tuesday’s extension, the reprieve is now available for another one month,” said Kumar.

In addition to this, under the extended amnesty, a 40 % discount is also given to all cases of constructions (whether permanent or under construction or date from residency certificate, whichever is earlier) which have taken/used permanent water connections since last five years from September 30, 2013.

Also, a 50 % waiver was given to allottees of EWS (economically weaker sections)/ LIG (low income group) and / Shramik Kunj (labour homes) units in the city on their pending water bills.