Water/Electricity petition : Reconnection of Water

Note on BMC Water reconnection (Abhay Yojana)

The BMC water connection to the mall has been cut since 2014 due to non-payment by the builder. Water bill outstanding is about Rs. 1.03 crores. Limited period offer (Upto Dec 31, 2020) by BMC under Abhay Yojna to pay Rs. 42.43 lacs and restore water connection. It may be worthwhile to get the water connection regularized, and we will be net gainers because of the same for the following reasons.

PROS:

1. Availability of clean water, particularly important in these challenging times, for Drinking and in washrooms.

2. Money paid for buying drinking water and water in washrooms through tankers may be saved.

3. Penalty and interest of over 60 lacs can be saved.

4. Property taxes will NOT go up due to the SEWERAGE TAX (BMC has warned that ‘SEWERAGE TAX’ is likely to be added to property tax bill a possible 30% increase).

5. Just like individual electricity meters, we will have our water, and can become more independent.

6. Adds a lot of value in the long run, as a property without water connection is not preferred by anyone.

THINK: 

1. Fear that the BMC may disconnect water after reconnection, for outstanding property taxes on Dreams the Mall.

2. How to ensure that everyone contributes.

Questions from members :

Why should we pay, when the payment is HDIL/DTM liability ?

We do not drop our claim against HDIL.

If we want to avail of the 60 lacs benefit because of the Abhay Yojana, we have to act now while the scheme is on else we will continue to suffer.

HDIL under bankruptcy, DTM may be dissolved, and are not in a position to pay now, to clear of the outstanding. The case is going to take more time. If we want to save our mall, we will have to fight and contribute to form society. 

Whether HDIL/DTM will be able to clear off all their liabilities is itself a question, as the directors of HDIL are in Jail because of the PMC bank failure.

Will the payment towards water be adjusted against CAM ? What will be the proable modalities ?

These will have to be fianilized after discussion with the Administrator and shop owners. However...

The higher the number of contributors more than 200, the lesser will be per member share. E.g. For 200 members  it is Rs.21200, For 500 members it is Rs.8500 per member.

We may have to wait for few months to ascertain how many have contributed Rs.20000. Thereafter, decide per member contribution. 

Based on above, give relief by way of reduction in CAM to those who have contributed Rs.20000/-  over a period of next few months. I.e. If contribution per member comes to Rs.10000, reduce Rs.2500 from CAM for four months.

How do we ensure all will contribute ?

We have written to the BMC attaching the list of the contributors. We have requested that Sewerage Tax only be removed from these shops.

If we win in the court, we can form society. Value of property will increase substantially if the word about regular management spreads.  Market for Rentals will also improve.

To save our property which is at such a prime location, we have to contribute. Or else it will be doomed like other HDIL properties

Will BMC not cut water after reconnection, because Property Tax is outstanding ?

There is the possibility, but BMC has other options for collecting from the defaulting properties.