HSVP hikes water tax, Sirsa residents upset

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Sirsa, July 12

The Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) seems to have burdened residents of three sectors of the city with a fresh hike in the water tax. The water tax has been raised from Rs 10 to Rs 12.50 per unit, while urban areas under the Public Health Department are being charged 50 to 60 paise per unit. This has sparked outrage among residents, prompting a state-level committee meeting on July 13.

Members of the resident welfare associations at sectors 19, 20 and 20 Part-3, including Ashok Bansal and Rajpal Singh, have identified five key demands. They argued water was a basic necessity and that the increase of Rs 2.50 per unit was unjust.

Currently, the cost of one unit of water, which equals 1,000 litres, is Rs 12.50, and an average household uses some 50 units per month, resulting in a monthly bill of around Rs 600. The residents want the hike rolled back and the four-storey parking policy repealed.

Rajpal, head of Sector 20 Part-3’s resident association, said the water supply had been consistent for years, and that such a significant increase in bills was unacceptable. He emphasised the need to return to the previous plot allocation policy and shelve the parking policy.

Officials concerned said water tax had been revised to meet the expenses of waterhouses, chlorination, supply and leak repairs. Payments to the Irrigation Department and the power corporation will also be covered under this.

Ram Prasad, SDO and HSVP, Sirsa, confirmed the decision to raise water rates was made at the head office. The new rate of Rs 12.50 per 1,000 litres is required to cover for the various facilities available under drinking water supply.