Chennai: The Tambaram Corporation has tripled monthly water charges and connection deposits, even though water is supplied only twice a week. This has triggered widespread anger among residents' welfare associations, who accuse officials of imposing the steep hike without any public consultation or prior notice.
Water Shortage and Rising Costs
Tambaram, which requires approximately 130 million litres of water per day for its 10 lakh residents, currently receives only 85-90 million litres, supplied twice a week. According to a government order issued in April, monthly charges have been revised from 50.50 rupees to 150.50 rupees, and the annual charge from 606 rupees to 1,806 rupees. The water connection deposit for houses up to 600 square feet was increased from 5,000 rupees to 7,500 rupees, while buildings with larger areas are charged 12,000 rupees.
Residents Express Outrage
Residents' welfare associations stated that such a revision should have been done in consultation with the people. Residents in Chromepet and nearby areas expressed surprise upon receiving revised bills, despite earlier promises from the corporation that the hike would be kept on hold after objections were raised last month. The associations had previously submitted petitions to the corporation, highlighting the lack of transparency in implementing the revised charges. Residents alleged that despite officials' promises to withdraw the government order and not revise charges, they continue to be billed exorbitantly.
Meeting with Corporation Commissioner
Sethu Madhavan, a senior activist and resident of Chromepet, said that residents met Tambaram Corporation Commissioner S Balachander on Monday regarding the revised water charges and variable deposit rates imposed on existing consumers. Madhavan quoted the commissioner as saying that the norms were passed by the council and the government order was issued on September 24, 2026. Madhavan pointed out that the order had not reached residents within the corporation limits. Usually, stakeholders are informed at least three months in advance and suggestions are sought, but no such process was followed. He added that increasing taxes without a proper reason is unfair to residents.
Corporation's Response
Responding to the concerns, Commissioner Balachander said that the corporation had stopped collecting revised water charges after residents raised objections. He stated that the issue persists only in a few areas under the Tambaram Corporation's limits and that residents can approach the corporation and pay the usual bill.
