Modi announces new water tariff for drinking and industrial purpose

Ahmedabad, Jan 17 (UNI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today announced new water tariff, effective from January 1, 2007, as part of his revolutionary approach in water management resources.

Drinking water has become cheaper by 85 per cent with 1000 litres costing just Re 1 and there will be no charges for water if taken from community checkdams for irrigation and for water used through drip irrigation the charges will be 85 per cent less, an official release said.

Farmers will be charged pro rata on the water consumed for irrigation, which has now been brought down from Rs 360 to Rs 160 per quarter per hectare.

If water used for industrial purposes is saved and diverted for nearby areas for drinking purposes than rates applicable for drinking water will be levied. Water cess will be cut by 35 per cent on sprinkler irrigation Delayed water bill payment will be free from service charge and 100 per cent relief granted, the release added.

UNI