Chamba BJP protest increase in water, sewerage charges

The Chamba BJP on Wednesday staged a protest against the state government over hike in water and sewerage charges.

BJP state executive committee member Jai Singh led the demonstration held at Bharmaur Chowk along the Chamba-Bharmaur National Highway, where a large number of party workers joined in, raising slogans against the state government.

Addressing the protestors, Singh criticized the government for imposing an additional financial burden on the public, especially on the population of over 1.25 lakh residents under the Chamba Municipal Council. He pointed out that the increase in water and sewerage bills has created serious difficulties for the common people, who are already struggling with irregular water supply.

Singh also alleged that consumers are being deliberately sent bills after the 15th of each month, forcing them to pay an additional penalty of ?90. “Despite paying hefty bills, people are not receiving adequate drinking water. It seems the government is intentionally troubling the public,” he said.

He demanded that the state government immediately roll back the increased monthly charges on water and sewerage, warning that if the demands are not met, people will take to the streets in larger numbers. He also warned of a gherao of the Chief Minister during his upcoming visit to Chamba.

Following the protest, Jai Singh led a rally to the office of the Jal Shakti Department in Chamba, where a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was submitted to the Assistant Engineer.