Has Arvind Kejriwal managed to build a bridge over Delhi’s troubled water issue?

Arvind Kejriwal might as well be singing the Simon and Garfunkel classic as he fulfils his promise for free water for Delhiites.

Updated: January 1, 2014 11:40 AM IST

By Nirmalya 'Nemo' Dutta

Simon and Kejriwal
Simon and Kejriwal

Simon and Kejriwal

‘When you’re weary, Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all
I’m on your side, When times get rough
And friends just can’t be found, Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down, Like a bridge over troubled water’

Arvind Kejriwal might as well be singing this Simon and Garfunkel classic as he looks set to solve the common man’s woes starting with water issues. Despite suffering a bout of loose motions, he made sure his solid actions spoke for itself as he stuck to his promise of providing Delhites with 700 litres of free water a day or to be more accurate 20,000 litres of water per month from Jan 1, 2014. Too sick to go the office, Kejriwal took this monumental decision in his apartment in Ghaziabad early evening.

Kejriwal also looked to deny reports that his governments would review the free-water decision in three months. He pointed out that all financial calculations were for a quarterly period and the government had no intention to rethink their decision. He pointed out that free water wouldn’t be a financial drain, it would cost the government Rs 160 crore a year. Currently, all houses with functional water metres can use these services. The catch is those who go above the 20,000 litres will have to pay for the entire month’s usage. So families which end up using more than 21 kilolitres of water will be charged for it, which will go up to Rs 884 per month.

How much water do you use in a day?

  • 10 minute shower: 70 litres
  • Bucket bath: 20 litres
  • Toilet flush: 10-12 litres
  • Washing machine: 90-150 litres
  • Cooking and drinking (per person): 10-15 litres
  • Car Wash: 540 litres

So for a family with a car and washing machine where every individual takes a shower, the total would come up to (4×70 + 12x4x4 + 150 + 15) 630 litres per day. Factor in washing the car say once a week and you spend 700 litres a day. This would suggest that people with cars are likely to pay but then that would suggest Kejriwal is taxing the rich and giving to the poor.

It would also be interesting to see if accountable water metres help decrease consumption because fresh water remains one of earth’s most precious resources.  Did Mr Kejriwal kill two birds with one stone, giving water to those who need it while taxing those who overused it? Only time will tell but the water mafia is going to find things a little tough under the new CM. For now we leave with you this Simon and Garfunkel classic.We just hope Mr Kejriwal doesn’t lapse into another Simon and Garfunkel classic The Sound of Silence. 

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