Mumbai Water Bill Could Soar As BMC Pushes For Price Hike Due To Operational Costs

Mumbai's residents may soon see a rise in their water bills, as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed an increase in water tariffs to address growing costs. A legal review is currently underway, and it is expected that the BMC could raise the tariff by up to eight per cent annually, according to a Times Now report.

Under the new proposal, the price for residential water use could rise by approximately Rs. 6 per 1000 litres. Commercial water users may see an even steeper hike, with the cost potentially reaching Rs. 50 per 1000 litres.

BMC officials have stated that the price increase is necessary to manage rising expenses. These include higher costs for power, maintenance, water preservation, and administrative operations related to the city's water supply.

Although the BMC had planned to raise the water tariff earlier in 2023-2024, the increase was postponed. A proposal to hike water taxes was submitted to the then-BMC commissioner, but Chief Minister Eknath Shinde intervened, instructing the civic body not to implement the tariff increase at that time. This decision led to the deferral of the proposal.

Previous Water Tariff Increases

The BMC has raised water taxes several times in recent years. In 2023, the water tariff was increased by 7.12 per cent, following a 5.29 per cent hike in 2021. These increases were aimed at managing the various costs associated with the city's water supply, including administrative expenses, electricity bills, and the cost of disinfecting water.

A report from The Indian Express mentioned that, for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Hydraulic Department had again recommended an increase in water charges to balance the finances of the city's water supply. However, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had once again directed the Municipal Commissioner, Iqbal Singh Chahal, not to raise water charges that year, leading to the postponement of the planned hike.

As the legal review process continues, Mumbai residents and businesses are advised to stay informed about the possible changes in their water bills. The final decision on the tariff hike will depend on the outcome of the review.