India, Nov. 1 -- New Delhi

As many as 20,980 consumers have cleared their water bills dues under the ongoing waiver scheme, availing of late payment surcharge (LPSC) rebates to the tune of Rs.96.3 crore and bringing in a revenue of Rs.32.79 crore in the first 15 days, officials of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) said on Friday.

DJB officials said recoveries are expected to rise substantially after the next billing cycle, once consumers receive updated bills showing the waived surcharge.

"The response so far has been very encouraging. We expect a sharp rise in recoveries as awareness spreads and people see the immediate financial benefit," a senior DJB official said.

The initiative, launched to provide relief to households burdened by long-p...