Shimla, April 1,
In a notification issued here today and shared in media this evening Government announced a ten percent hike in water charges for Shimla Municipal Corporation, a move that will also lead to a proportional increase in sewerage charges.
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According to Sahil Sharma, spokesperson for SJPNL, the revised tariffs will apply to various categories, including domestic connections within and outside municipal limits, commercial establishments, hotels and restaurants, construction connections, and government or religious institutions.
For domestic water connections within municipal limits, the revised rates are Rs. 21.23 per kilo litre for consumption up to 20 kilo litres, Rs. 36.61 per kilo litre for 20 to 30 kilo litres, and Rs. 65.89 per kilo litre for usage above 30 kilo litres. The minimum maintenance charges for plugged connections are set at Rs. 488.48 per month, while the faulty meter rate is Rs. 48.31 per kilo litre. Domestic connections outside municipal limits will incur higher rates, starting at Rs. 73.21 per kilo litre for up to 20 kilo litres, Rs. 102.49 for 20 to 30 kilo litres, and Rs. 242 per month for usage beyond 30 kilo litres, with a minimum charge of Rs. 1948.58 per month for plugged connections.
Commercial water connections, both within and outside municipal limits, will see rates ranging from Rs. 58.56 per kilo litre for up to 20,000 litres to Rs. 168.38 per kilo litre for consumption above 75,000 litres. Hotels and restaurants face steeper charges, with rates starting at Rs. 116.93 per kilo litre for up to 30,000 litres and going up to Rs. 214.34 per kilo litre for usage exceeding 75,000 litres. Plugged connections in this category will cost Rs. 242 per month, while faulty meter rates are fixed at Rs. 8557.67 per month.
Building construction water connections are priced at Rs. 168.38 per kilo litre, with the same plugged and faulty meter charges as commercial establishments. Government institutions, hospitals, and religious places will pay Rs. 92.25 per kilo litre, with a minimum charge of Rs. 242 per month for plugged connections.
Tanker charges vary by capacity and usage, with domestic rates ranging from Rs. 1331 for a 2000-litre tanker to Rs. 5324 for an 8000-litre tanker. Commercial rates are higher, starting at Rs. 1797 for 2000 litres and reaching Rs. 7187.40 for 8000 litres.
Additionally, sewerage charges will remain at 30% of the water bill, and a 10% surcharge will apply to outstanding amounts. Consumers using local water sources instead of the Shimla Water Supply System will pay Rs. 110 per month, subject to a 10% annual increase. Consumers must report faulty meters within a month to avoid billing based on historical maximum consumption.
