CM gives nod to water tariff hike - TeluguPeople.com News

Hyderabad, Aug 26 (INN): At a time when the common man is unable bear the burden of rising prices, the State Government is preparing to effect a steep hike in the water tariff, both domestic and commercial. Once effective, the minimum charges of Rs 131 on a single connection would be increased to Rs 300.

The Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has reportedly asked the officials to delay the matter, however he was convinced by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) officials that their department was running in huge losses and the increase in water charges was imminent.

The Chief Minister was told that the power charges were increased 15 times in the last 10 years whereas, the water tariff remained untouched. Left with no other alternative, the Chief Minister has given the green signal for the proposed hike in water supplied by the government. But instructions have been given to spare the slums area from the proposed hike.

At a meeting held here on Friday, the Chief Minister reviewed the situation and decided to meet again before affecting the water tariff hike. Municipal Administration Minister M Mahidhar Reddy, Labour Minister Danam Nagender, Marketing Minister M Mukesh Goud and the top officials of the HMWS&SB were also present. Later, Danam informed the media persons that in the next meeting the government would announce the new tariff after effecting the increase.

The proposed hike would increase the HMWS&SB's revenues by Rs 100 crore per month. Presently, the water board gets Rs 42 crore from nearly 7.80 lakh connections with a tariff of Rs 6 per unit up to 15 units and a minimum of Rs 131 is charged including the sewerage connection.

Initially when the Chief Minister was opposing the hike, the department officials told him that the common man spends Rs 150 - 200 for a Cable TV connection and therefore, a hike of Rs 150 would not be a burden.

By 2013-14, the water requirement is said to be 370 mgd and by 2014 the supply would be increased from 450 mgd to 500 mgd for which 5.5 tmc of water would be required.

Plans were afoot to bring 20 TMC of Godavari waters but it got delayed due to problems at Yellampally Reservoir. However, those problems are likely to be cleared soon. Orders have been issued to release supply of 40 mgd from Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs near the city.

Referring to the Bholakpur incident of 2009, Danam Nagender said steps have been taken to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future. The minister is expected to inspect the said suburb on August 27, to review the situation.