Thiruvananthapuram: It has been decided to increase the water tax in Kerala by five percent annually. The revised rate will come into effect from April 1. The Public Expenditure Committee had directed a year ago to increase water tax by 20 percent and by five percent annually. The annual increase is implemented currently.

According to the order, the basic rate has been increased by five percent. The committee had suggested that the tax should be revised in a way that helps get back at least the cost of water supply. The finance department also demanded that water tax should be increased in order to increase the government assistance for Water Authority.

The central government also had recommended surplus resource collection in order to overcome the post-COVID financial crisis. Following this, the water tax was increased, it is stated in the order. However, minister for water resources K Krishnankutty said that water tax will be revised only after getting approval from cabinet. Water tax was revised five years ago prior to this.