Pay 20 pc less for Narmada connection

Narmada water is scheduled to flow into western AUDA areas in April.

An AUDA release on Monday stated that the charges can be paid in two instalments and added that the decision was taken on public request. The charges announced ranged from Rs 1,300 to Rs 14,000 for residential buildings on the basis of area covered. Now the charges will range between Rs 1,040 and Rs 11,200.

New charges have been decided only for residential buildings. Commercial premises too are likely to be given rebate.

AUDA public relations officer Nimesh Joshi said, ‘‘Presently, the decision has been taken only for residential buildings. Commercial buildings will get the same benefit soon.’’ AUDA chairman Surendra Patel said the decision was taken keeping in view the problems faced by the middle income group.

After the 16 nagarpalikas and gram panchayats in western AUDA areas started getting a number of complaints, their representatives approached AUDA chairman Surendra Patel on March 24.

President of Ghatlodia nagarpalika Naulesh Patel said: ‘‘We contacted the MLA from Sarkhej and Minister of State for Home Amit Shah and AUDA chairman. We told them that the charges were high and the people would not be able to pay up.’’

‘‘We asked for 20 per cent rebate on one-time connection and said the residents should be able to pay in two instalments — first 50 per cent and the rest in January. The middle class and economically weaker sections will benefit,’’ he added.

The AUDA has already declared that it will not collect any monthly charges for the first year.