AAP govt seeks report on inflated water bills

New Delhi: The Delhi government has sought a report on inflated water bills in the national capital and asked officials to find out the reason behind supply shortage in the recent months, which the AAP claims cost it the municipal polls.

A day after taking over as water minister, Seemapuri MLA Rajender Pal Gautam undertook a stock-taking exercise of the department, which was with sacked minister Kapil Mishra until his recent fallout with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

“Right before the MCD polls many people complained of having received inflated bills. Especially those who never had to pay much before. I have sought a report within a week. I have also ordered officials to find out the reason behind shortage of water in few areas right before the polls. I think it was politically motivated,” he told a press conference.

Asked if he intends to act against Mr Mishra, Mr Gautam said instances of “irregularities” will surely be looked into but he has “no ill will” intention to “target anyone just for the heck of it”. Mr Gautam also hinted at action against metre readers, whom he claimed indulge in acts of corruption, which, he said, end up “sullying” the image of the government.

Mr Gautam, who held a meeting with top officials of the Delhi Jal Board, including its CEO Keshav Chandra and vice chairman AAP MLA Dinesh Mohaniya, said the department will launch an awareness campaign to “educate people” on the pitfalls of using water motors.