Thiruvananthapuram: Water charges will go up by 5 percent in Kerala as the hike in water tariff has come into force. The state government had announced a hike in water charges before the assembly elections.
The Kerala Water Authority will implement 5 percent hike on the basic water consumption from April 1 onwards. With this, minimum charge for domestic usage of water will increase to Rs 4.20 per 1000 litre monthly. Earlier, Rs 4 was charged per 1000 litre. Five percent hike based on slab 8 will reflect on the bill of those who use water above 10,000 litres per month.
The LDF government increased water tariff for making the central government increase the borrowing limit of the state.
On February 10, the state government issued an order raising the water charges from April 1. But the government kept the order confidential during the election. When the order came to light amidst the elections, the water resources department also claimed that they did not make a final decision regarding the price hike.
Meanwhile, the water authority revised the water charges in April based on the government order.
High level sources in the Water Authority reported that the revised rate will come into force for all types of connection including domestic, non-domestic and industrial.
With this, a minimum rate of Rs 4 and 20 paise will be charged from domestic consumers for the usage of 1000 litre. Different rates will be charged as per slab 8 from consumers who use water above 10,000 litres. Hence, consumers have to pay Rs 5 to Rs 14 per 1000 litres based on the revised tariff.
As the water resources department already issued the order for water tariff hike, the water authority will not issue a fresh order.
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