Water tariff to industry, commercial units hiked

• The monthly revenue likely to be doubled
• Present bill collection stands at Rs 27 crore per month
• Domestic consumers exempted
• New tariff will be applicable to 33, 680 connections
• All illegal water connections to be regularised by March 31
• Interest-waiver option if bills paid before due date

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) increased water tariff for commercial, industrial and industrial (water-based) connections in twin cities, besides simplifying procedures for new connections.

However, it exempted domestic consumers, who comprise a major chunk of connections from this burden.

This new tariff would be applicable to around 33, 680 connections. The monthly revenue from commercial and industrial connections, which now stands at Rs 27 crore, is likely to double after enhanced rates come into effect.

As per the new tariff, for commercial consumption up to 15 kilolitre (KL= 1,000 litres), consumers now have to pay Rs 40/per KL.

Similarly, between 16 and 100 KL, the cost per KL has been increased to Rs 70. A commercial consumer utilising water between 101-200 KL has to pay Rs 100 per KL.

While sewerage charges in GHMC area will be 35 per cent on water demand, no charge would be levied for connections outside GHMC area. Meanwhile, for industrial consumption up to 15 KL, the new tariff would be Rs 50 per KL. Similarly, between 16 and 100 KL, the cost per KL has been increased to Rs 80. An industrial consumer utilising water between 101-200 KL will have to pay Rs 120 per KL. The sewerage charges are similar to commercial category. On the other hand, the water board simplified documentation process for taking new 15 mm diameter water supply connections.

Now the house owners not possessing valid documents like sale deed/lease deed etc, could file an affidavit (indemnity bond) and submit application along with electricity bill.

The Board also decided to regularise illegal water supply connections by March 31, 2014. For consumers, who clear their dues before the due date, the entire interest amount will also be waived, informed HMWSSB authorities. The water board has to recover arrears amounting to Rs 800 crore, which includes an interest of 200 crore.