Arvind Kejriwal Delhi water windfall: How the numbers add up

One of the major decisions the Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is likely to announce is supplying up to 700 litres of free water per day to each household which receives piped water supply.

But how was the figure of 700 litres arrived at? According to AAP spokesperson Atishi Marlena, the figure has been decided after looking at a World Health Organisation report which states that a person needs around 160 litres per day for “dignified living”. “The average family size in the country is around 4-5 persons. If you take this into account, a household needs 20 kilolitres of water per month,” she said.

While households consuming up to 20,000 litres of water per month will not be charged, those consuming more will pay for the entire quantity of water consumed. Moreover, the measure will be applicable to only those households who have a piped water connection or a metered connection.

As per the Delhi Statistical Report for 2014, the number of metered connection in the capital is around 16,02,099 in 2013-14, about 59,274 more than in 2012-13. Similarly, the number of unmetered connections has also seen an increase of 30,914 – from 4,38,791 in 2012-13 to 4,69,705 in 2013-14.

“In the course of five years, we plan to ensure that each household in the capital receives piped water supply,” Marlena said.

A party white paper on water said that out of 33.41 lakh households in Delhi, only about 20 per cent have piped water supply As a result, over 50 lakh people who do not receive piped water rely on other sources such as tankers and borewells, the party said.

Marlena said the measure will amount to a subsidy of Rs 65 crores for a quarter of the year. “The measure will benefit households which consumes up to 20 kilolitres of water per month. The second slab which includes households consuming from 20 to 40 kilolitres of water per month will have pay the whole amount of water consumed. The third slab of consumers — those using more than 40 kilolitres — will pay the bill at an increased rate. The cross-subsidy will take care of the finances around the scheme,” she said.

By Aditi Vatsa

Source: FT