Water tariff rollback brings relief to Kullu residents

Sunder Singh Thakur thanked Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri for approving the reversal. The controversy had simmered for months, particularly after water bills for September to December 2024 were distributed much later, triggering confusion and financial strain among residents.

Tensions escalated when fresh bills for January to March 2025 were issued in December with the same enhanced rates. Families reported unprecedented spikes. Bills that earlier averaged around Rs 1,200 for a quarter reportedly surged to nearly Rs 13,000 in several cases. The burden was especially acute for joint families and tenants sharing a single water meter. In one striking instance, a local restaurant was billed Rs 3.51 lakh for a single quarter, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

According to official sources, the issue was taken up in a planning committee meeting where it was decided to restore the old slab-based tariff system. The earlier rate of about Rs 14 per kilolitre will now apply for monthly consumption up to 32 kilolitres. Authorities have also assured that any excess amount already paid by consumers will be adjusted in forthcoming bills.

While the rollback offers significant relief, concerns remain for households sharing common meters. Residents say the process of applying for separate water connections is cumbersome, involving multiple approvals and prolonged delays. They have also urged that sewerage charges — currently levied at a flat 30 per cent -- should be calculated on the minimum slab rather than on higher consumption brackets.

Though appreciative of the government’s intervention, residents insist that deeper administrative reforms are essential. Without simplifying procedures and ensuring transparent billing practices, they warn, shared households will continue to face disproportionate financial stress.