Shimla, Sept 21
The Himachal Pradesh government has officially announced the end of free water supply in rural areas, introducing new water rates for domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers. The revised rates, effective immediately, will see rural households charged a fixed bill of Rs 100 per month per connection, a significant shift from the earlier practice of free water supply. Maintenance charges will also be levied at Rs 110 per month, which must be paid regardless of consumption levels.
In urban areas, water charges are now based on consumption levels. For domestic use, the new rates are Rs 19.30 per kiloliter for consumption up to 20 kiloliters, Rs 33.28 per kiloliter for 20 to 30 kiloliters, and Rs 59.90 per kiloliter for usage beyond 30 kiloliters. Along with these consumption-based charges, maintenance fees of Rs 110 per month will be applicable.
Commercial and institutional water rates
The government has also revised water tariffs for government institutions, religious bodies, private schools, homestays, and general hotels. These institutions will be charged Rs 19.30 per kiloliter for usage up to 20 kiloliters, Rs 33.28 for 20 to 30 kiloliters, and Rs 59.90 for 30 to 50 kiloliters. For consumption between 50 and 100 kiloliters, the rate will be Rs 106.30, and any usage beyond 100 kiloliters will incur a charge of Rs 150 per kiloliter.
Luxury hotels and commercial businesses face higher charges, starting at Rs 106.30 per kiloliter for up to 30 kiloliters. Consumption between 30 and 75 kiloliters will be billed at Rs 141.76 per kiloliter, and usage beyond 75 kiloliters will be charged at Rs 194.85. Maintenance charges for these establishments will be Rs 220 per month, and if a meter is installed, a minimum monthly charge of Rs 7,779.70 will apply.
Increased connection and sewerage fees
For new water connections, the state has set new charges across different categories. In rural areas, domestic and government connections will cost Rs 200, while commercial connections will cost Rs 500. Non-commercial and non-domestic consumers will pay Rs 2,500 per connection. In urban areas, domestic connections will cost Rs 1,000, while business and non-commercial connections will cost Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,500, respectively. Sewerage connection charges range from Rs 500 for domestic users to Rs 2,500 for non-domestic consumers.
Exemptions for vulnerable groups
Certain categories remain exempt from the new water charges. These include widows, orphans, destitute women, and disabled individuals, who will continue to receive free water. Households with an annual income of less than Rs 50,000 will receive a 50 percent discount on their water bills.
A notification regarding these changes was issued by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Onkar Chand Sharma.
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