Urban water consumers for rollback of annual tariff hike

The 10% annual hike in domestic water charges in urban areas, particularly in Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats across the state, has become a burden for consumers. The Jal Shakti Department, formerly known as the Irrigation-cum-Public Health Department, has been increasing piped water charges by 10% every year since 2005, as per a notification issued by the then Virbhadra Singh-led government.

This continuous hike has triggered widespread resentment, with growing demands for the rollback of the 2005 notification. Back in 2005, urban domestic consumers paid Rs 40 per month for a water connection. However, the rate has now skyrocketed to Rs 267.23, effective from April this year to March next year.

The situation is especially dire for economically weaker sections who find it difficult to pay the inflated bills. Adding to their woes, the Jal Shakti Department issues bills after long gaps, making the cumulative amount unaffordable for many.

Residents of Nurpur town, including Praveen Sungalia, Poonam, Rajesh, Vivek and Sanjay Jaryal, voiced their frustration over the poor supply quality. They reported receiving piped water for only 20–30 minutes once a day, with those living on upper floors often left without any water due to low pressure. The scarcity worsens in summer, and frequent monsoon disruptions add to the hardship.

The residents have urged the state government to revoke the outdated 2005 notification and implement fixed monthly water charges, similar to the rural water tariff model. They argue that if rural consumers can pay just Rs 100 per month, urban dwellers—many of whom are also poor—should not be discriminated against.

Hanumati, Udit Gandhi and Pavensh Gupta highlighted that the steep annual hike contradicts the goals of the Centre’s ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ launched in 2019, which promises affordable, clean tap water for every household by 2028.

The mounting public pressure is pushing the state government to reconsider the annual tariff escalation and bring equity to urban water pricing.