Mumbaikars can expect to shell out more from June 16 as Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has increased water charges by 2.48%. Every year, the civic body increases this tax considering rising costs.
In order to raise money for new water projects, the general body in 2012 had allowed a hike in water charges upto 8% every year which is implemented around June 16. Water charges are hiked due to increase in maintenance, establishment, administrative and energy costs. Last year, the prices were hiked by 3.72%
Between 2017-18 and 2018-19, the BMC’s hydraulic engineer department’s costs have increased from ₹836.6 crore to ₹857.32 crore, a rise of 2.48%. Therefore, this year, the civic body has proposed a proportionate hike in the water charges.
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The water charges for domestic users will be increased from ₹5.09 per 1000 litre to ₹5.22, non-trading institutions will be charged ₹20.91 instead of ₹20.40 and commercial establishments will have to pay ₹39.2 for ever 1000 litres instead of ₹38.25. The hike will also be levied on slums, hotels, race course and the like.
Citizens also pay sewage charges, which are 70% of water charges, and will increase accordingly. The civic body is expecting additional revenue of ₹27 crore from the move.
Commenting on the hike, Congress corporator Ravi Raja said, “How can they impose a hike when there is a 10% water cut? They should give adequate water first.”
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Less water on Thursday
During a transition in the power supply model at Bhatsa dam on Tuesday, it was noticed that the flow of water from the dam towards Mumbai had slowed and a technical fault developed. Due to the fault, the city will receive about 10% less water on Thursday. BMC has restored the fault on Wednesday but the system will take a day to be operational. The city already has a 10% water cut in place.