BJP Delhi Pradesh President Harsh Vardhan today demanded the Lt Governor withdraw the 10 percent surcharge on water tariff ordered by the AAP government.
"Water is the natural and basic need of every person. The Constitution of India does not permit any government to hinder the supply of drinking water to anyone. There is a tradition of providing free drinking water to needy persons in this country. Supplying water at market rates is like trading in humanity. BJP strongly opposes it," said Vardhan.
He alleged that with the connivance of Congress and AAP, the previous Arvind Kejriwal government had taken an "anti-people" decision to impose a 10 percent surcharge on the consumption of water above 700 litres.
"The number of persons for whom announcement of free water up to 667 litres per day was announced for gaining cheap popularity is less than 3 percent. If a standard family of five persons uses flush in their toilet everyday, then that family consumes 3,000 litres of water per month," he said.
Pointing to the summer ahead, he said a time-bound and concrete action should be taken to avoid shortage of water.
"There are many places in Delhi where murder has been committed for a bucket of water. The problem of law and order arises every year in summer season due to shortage of water. We have to remain cautious about it", Vardhan said.
Vardhan demanded the Lt Governor provide water through tube wells in all rehabilitation colonies, unauthorized colonies and slum clusterst.
Foreign companies want to enter the business of water supply in Delhi and tey were hand in glove with Sheila Dikshit government, he charged.
"Due to privatization of water supply in Malviya Nagar, Nangloi, Vasant Kunj the people are being supplied water at a very high cost. BJP strongly opposes it and demands its cancellation," he said.
