Chandigarh: Congress, AAP oppose double rates for water connection in houses outside 'lal dora'

Congress and AAP councillors have opposed the decision of the Municipal Corporation (MC) to provide temporary water connections to the residents living outside “lal dora” (red line) in 22 villages at double rates. The MC General House approved the agenda in this regard on Tuesday.

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Hardeep Singh, AAP councillor, said the proposed double rates for water connection and construction charges would put a heavy financial burden on these residents.

Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh also condemned the MC decision. He said water connections should be provided to these residents without imposing double rates and construction charges on old buildings.

Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty said water was a basic need and there cannot be different rates for different areas.

Meanwhile, an official of the MC said the agenda would be sent to the Chandigarh Administration for approval.

The “lal dora” is an extension of the village habitation and this area can be used by the villagers for non-agricultural purposes only. Any construction on the agricultural land beyond this boundary is illegal.

A lot of constructions have come up in these areas over the years.

As per the draft Chandigarh Water Supply Bylaws Amendment-2025 presented in the MC House, temporary water connections shall be given to the residents living outside the “lal dora”/phirni of 22 villages subject to the submission of certain documents and acceptance of conditions. One-time construction charges will be levied as per the constructed area of a house. The water connection will be provided to residents outside the “lal dora” on a temporary basis. The consumer shall have no ownership rights or claims to the connection, and no permanent entitlement will arise from it.

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla had termed the decision historic. She said the residents had been demanding water connections for a long time.