Rs 15 to Rs 10,000: Residents in Delhi’s VIP zone will pay for garbage service

The NDMC area, a leafy VIP zone in the city’s heart, is home to a mere 1.5% of the Capital’s 16.78 million people and covers just 3% of the city. It generates more than 300 tonnes of garbage a day.

Bungalows of the Capital’s power elite, embassies, private apartments, and shops and restaurants within the New Delhi Municipal Council will have to pay a user fee for garbage removal from this month.

Similar to a “bin tax” in the UK, the garbage fee follows the government’s municipal solid waste management rules. (HT file photo)

Similar to a “bin tax” in the UK, the garbage fee follows the government’s municipal solid waste management rules.

“We will collect the fee for waste management, including door-to door collection of garbage,” NDMC chairperson Naresh Kumar said.

The NDMC area, a leafy VIP zone in the city’s heart, is home to a mere 1.5% of the Capital’s 16.78 million people and covers just 3% of the city. It generates more than 300 tonnes of garbage a day.

The embassies will pay the highest fee — Rs 10,000 a month for a space above 4,000 square metre. For government houses, a Type I flat will pay Rs 15, while Type V flats and bungalows will shell out Rs 100. The fee for private homes of more than 100 square metre is Rs 300.

Atul Bhargava, president of the Connaught Place Traders’ Association, called the move unfair.

“They charge the highest property tax. Why do they need more money? NDMC is one of the richest civic bodies. They must concentrate on improving civic amenities first.”

For commercial establishments, Rs 500 and Rs 5,000 will be the fees for small coffee shops and five-star hotels. Organisers of rallies and langars will have to pay Rs 1,000 for each event.