As part of its efforts to bring in uniformity in water charges across the city and provide better infrastructure to added areas, Chennai Metrowater has started a door-to-door survey to update records of consumers. The water agency has roped in private agencies- Somesh enterprises and Prime Meridian Surveys- for the enumeration drive in eight new areas. The survey will help identify details on water and sewer connections and usage of buildings whether commercial or residential purpose.
A questionnaire would be provided to the consumers pertaining to the nature of the property, source of water supply and available infrastructure in their locality.
At present, there are 11.32 lakh assesses in the city. Of this, nearly 4.57 lakh assesses are in merged areas.
The survey will also help to study the infrastructure available and chalk out new projects.
“We will be able to levy tax and charges according to facilities available,” said an official.
Now, residents of expanded areas follow different rates of monthly water charges that were fixed by erstwhile local bodies.
Though Metrowater had some details on the infrastructure put in place in the newly added areas, officials of the water agency said the comprehensive exercise would help rationalise tax and charges collections and also help the agency understand the needs of the residents.
“We have raised a tax demand of Rs. 142 crore for this year. The tax demand for consumers in merged areas alone is Rs. 32 crore,” the official added.
The survey is expected to be completed in two months.
