Tariff on the usage ofsurface waterfor commercial and organisational use is expected to be hiked in the next few weeks in the state by about 7.5%, officials in the state Resources“>Water Resources department said.
The department has drafted the paper on increase in water surcharge and uploaded it on the website, seeking public comments before making an official notification. The new water tax will come into force with retrospective effect from April 1, 2022.
As per the draft, water sources have been divided into four categoriesnatural sources (river, falls, streams); Dams and their fringe areas; down-stream; and canals. Industrial and commercial entities will have to pay Rs 4.13/1,000 litre for drawing water from natural sources; Rs 11.97 from dams/fringe area; Rs 13 from down-stream; and Rs 29.70 from canals. Similarly, industrial, commercial or individual entities taking water for municipal use will have to pay Rs 3.75/1,000 litre for water from natural sources; Rs 6 from dams/fringe area; Rs 7 from down-stream; and Rs 15 from canals. For government bodies and other government-affiliated agencies, Rs 3.58/1000 litre is fixed for water from natural sources, dams/fringe areas and down-stream, while Rs 15 is fixed for canals.