Relief in water tariffs, property tax to upgraded ULBs

The state government has extended relief to the residents of newly constituted and upgraded Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by allowing billing for water supply at rural tariffs for a period of next three years.

This measure is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for the residents of areas recently merged into urban local bodies.

A government spokesperson said this decision of the state government will benefit 47,820 consumers across the state.

In addition to the water tariff rebate, residents of these areas were also being provided exemption from property tax.

As part of the recent administrative restructuring, the government has constituted 14 new nagar panchayats, namely Sandhole, Dharampur, Baldwara, Banikhet, Khundian, Kotla, Nagrota Surian, Kunihar, Jhandutta, Swarghat, Barsar, Bharari, Bangana and Shillai. Additionally, Hamirpur, Una and Baddi have been upgraded to Municipal Corporations, while Nadaun and Baijnath-Paprola have been granted the status of Municipal Councils.

As a result, several new areas have now come under the jurisdiction of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), either through the creation of new ULBs or the expansion of existing boundaries.

The spokesperson added that these relief measures are designed to protect residents from sudden financial burdens due to urban restructuring.

The combined rebate in water tariffs and exemption from property tax will help residents in adjusting to the changes without an abrupt rise in their cost of living. “It is a significant relief for the residents and will get improved basic amenities,” he said.