Water tariffs to rise every year in April

BENGALURU: Bengalureans may not be able avoid a hike in water every year. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has fixed a rate increase and water tariffs will go up again in April next year. According to the new rule, rates will be raised in line with price hikes, said BWSSB chairman Ram Prasat Manohar.

Last April, the water board surprised Bengaluru residents by raising water rates by 1 paise per litre. Now, the board is preparing to hike water tariffs every year. In line with this water tariffs will increase in April next year and so also every year.

The reason for the increase is that the water board needs Rs 200 crore for its operations. However, the collection is only Rs 120 crore, so to compensate for the deficit, rates are being raised.

Taking into account the rise in steel, cement and iron prices, water rates will also increase. The Administrative Reform Department has framed the rules and accordingly, water tariffs will be revised annually, Ram Prasat Manohar said.