Coimbatore Corporation passes resolution to increase monthly UGD and drinking water charges

Coimbatore Corporation Council increases UGD and drinking water charges, proposing 3% annual increase, pending State government approval.

The Coimbatore Corporation Council, in an urgent meeting held on Wednesday, passed two resolutions to increase the monthly charges for underground drainage (UGD) connections and drinking water supply, along with new deposit charges for drinking water. The resolutions also proposed a 3% annual increase in both the monthly charges and the deposit amounts.

Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said the resolution was passed as per statutory requirements. “We have only submitted the proposal to the State government as mandated. All other Municipal Corporations have also passed similar resolutions. It is now up to the government to decide whether to implement it or not. The revised charges will be enforced only after the State government issues an order,” he said.

As per the revised structure, the one-time deposit amount for UGD connections remains unchanged, as it was last revised in 2022. However, those who obtained connections before the 2022 revision will be required to pay the balance amount as per the current rates.

In the case of drinking water, at present, 60 wards receive water through a 24/7 metered supply, while the remaining 40 wards follow an intermittent supply model with a fixed monthly charge of ₹100 and a deposit of ₹5,000, irrespective of the size of the building.

Under the revised structure, drinking water charges and the additional charges will be calculated based on the built-up area of residential buildings, similar to the method used for UGD charges. Each household will be entitled to 16 kilolitres of water a month. Consumption beyond this limit will attract ₹18 per additional kilo litre for residential buildings up to 600 sq. feet, and ₹54 a kilo litre for other domestic buildings.

AIADMK councillor and Council Opposition Leader R. Prabhakaran said, “These two subjects were deliberately introduced at the end of the meeting and were passed hurriedly by the Mayor without any discussion, which is unfair. In addition to the property tax increase, these will place a huge burden on the public.”

A total of 103 resolutions were passed during the meeting, which was convened in view of the impending announcement of the byelection for Ward 56. The ward fell vacant following the accidental death of sitting councillor M. Krishnamoorthy in November last year.