delhi

Updated: Jun 16, 2015 08:48 IST

Delhiites will soon be able to generate their own water bills using a mobile application which is likely to be launched by the end of this month.

The AAP government's go-ahead to the system, developed by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), comes amid mounting complaints of inflated bills. According to senior officials of the DJB, consumers had complained of bills being generated on the basis of incorrect meter readings. Several houses remain locked during inspections and the officials have to then rely on the household's average consumption to generate the bill, leading to discrepancy.

According to a senior DJB official, the new application would allow consumers to input their latest meter reading along with a photograph of the meter following which the water bill would be generated. But consumers would first have to register themselves on www.djb.gov.in.

"They (consumers) will have to download an application on their mobile phone. The latest meter reading will have to be fed into the app. After that a picture of the meter will also have to be uploaded by them. As soon as the picture is uploaded, a bill will get generated automatically. Anyone can then make the payment online," the official said.

Random checks would be conducted and action taken against anyone found misusing the application by feeding in wrong readings or uploading fake pictures of the meter.

"This system will bring immense convenience to consumers as they will be able to generate their bill to their satisfaction in a hassle-free manner. It will also reduce burden on our staff," said DJB CEO SS Yadav.

Sources said the application is at the testing stage and is likely to be launched by the end of this month.

The DJB caters to around 21 lakh water connections in the city, of which over 7 lakh benefit from the AAP government's free water scheme to those whose consumption is limited to 20,000 litres a month.



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