Nagpur Water Tariff Hike: NMC Proposes 5% Increase Amid Citizen Concerns
Water consumers in Nagpur could soon face higher bills as the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has proposed a 5% hike in water tariffs across all categories. This move, initiated by the water works department, is supported by Clause 56(B) of the Nagpur City Water Rate Assessment and Collection Bylaws, 2009, and the 2010 tariff schedule.
Legal Framework and Approval Process
The provision empowers the municipal commissioner to approve up to a 5% tariff hike in a financial year without requiring approval from the general body. However, the decision must be placed before the standing committee for information. Any increase beyond 5% would necessitate approval from the general body.
Historical Context and Precedent
What makes this proposal significant is the precedent set over the past two years. Despite having the authority to revise tariffs annually, former municipal commissioners Radhakrishnan B and Abhijeet Chaudhari chose not to implement any hike after the 2023 revision. This decision provided relief to consumers amid rising cost of living pressures. "The last tariff increase was implemented in 2023," confirmed superintending engineer Shweta Banerjee.
Citizen Concerns and Systemic Issues
The timing of the proposed hike has raised concerns among citizens and activists. Many areas in Nagpur continue to face unresolved complaints over faulty billing, meter inaccuracies, and erratic water supply. Critics argue that revising tariffs without addressing these systemic issues would unfairly burden consumers.
Official Justifications for the Hike
Officials cite rising operational and maintenance costs, along with the civic body's strained finances, as key reasons for pushing the tariff revision. They emphasize that the hike is necessary to sustain water services and infrastructure improvements.
Existing Water Tariff Rates
Here is a breakdown of the current water tariff rates in Nagpur:
- Residential (R1):
- 0-20 units: Rs8.15 per unit
- 21-30 units: Rs13.03 per unit
- 31-80 units: Rs17.93 per unit
- Above 80 units: Rs24.44 per unit
- Institutional (IA/IB): Rs21.17 to Rs32.59 per unit (slab-wise)
- Commercial (C1A/C1B/C2): Rs40.73 to Rs122.17 per unit (depending on usage)
- Slum connections: Minimum monthly charges range from Rs48.86 for hutments to Rs81.45 for RCC houses
Note: Minimum monthly charges apply based on pipe size (15mm-300mm), impacting base billing irrespective of consumption.
About the Author
Proshun Chakraborty is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience in civic and urban affairs reporting. Currently Editor-Civic Affairs at The Times of India, Nagpur, he leads coverage on municipal governance, public infrastructure, traffic management, RTO affairs, and urban policy shifts. Proshun has built a trusted network across citizens, bureaucracy, and the political landscape. He is highly respected for his depth in civic journalism and unwavering commitment to public interest reporting. His hobbies include reading, listening to music, and travelling.
