In a positive development for water consumers within Greater Hyderabad, the Metro Water Board has announced a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for those with pending water bills. Consumers can clear their dues without any interest or late fees if they settle their bills by the 31st of this month. The Municipal Administration Department’s Principal Secretary, Dana Kishore, issued the orders on Saturday.
According to Metro Water Board MD Ashok Reddy, the decision to implement the OTS scheme was made as outstanding dues on the water board have been increasing steadily. He mentioned that a request for the OTS scheme was submitted to the government on September 19, which was subsequently approved. Reddy also noted that this is the third time the board has introduced a one-time settlement plan.
Eligibility and Conditions
The OTS scheme applies only to consumers with active water connections. Officials clarified that the entire pending amount must be paid in one go. Consumers whose connections have been disconnected are not eligible for this benefit. However, if they wish to avail the OTS scheme, they must submit an affidavit promising to pay their bills consistently for the next 24 months. If they fail to do so, the benefits gained under OTS will be revoked.
How to Settle Dues
Consumers need to approach specific officials based on their pending amounts. If the dues are up to Rs 2,000, they should approach the manager. For amounts between Rs 2,001 and Rs 10,000, they should contact the Deputy General Manager (GM). Dues between Rs 10,001 and Rs 1 lakh should be settled with the General Manager, while those owing more than ₹1 lakh need to meet the Chief GM for settlement.