Coimbatore corporation to reintroduce resoultion to hike water, UGD charges
"It is crucial that we pass this resolution to secure funds from various sources for upcoming projects and the maintenance of the UGD system. The (price hike) withdrawal is likely to affect future fund sanctions from major banks. The tariff is fixed by the state govt. Our role is just to pass the resolution. The implementation of the tariff hike is optional and depends solely on the state govt's discretion. Other corporations have passed similar resolutions.
Coimbatore should also do so. Therefore, the resolution will be tabled at the next meeting. If the state demands it on an emergency basis, I will be compelled to pass it," the corporation commissioner said.
K Kathirmathiyon, secretary, Coimbatore Consumer Cause, agreed that it was important to pass the resolution to increase the water and UGD charges for securing funds. "Previously, we have seen scenarios where things existed theoretically but were not implemented, including the UGD system.
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The public needs to be convinced about this. The corporation should not have withdrawn the resolution. Reintroducing it will create more agitation among the councillors and the public.
Additionally, the corporation should reconsider the monthly slabs based on property tax. There must be an option to choose whichever amount is lower, so that those with properties below 600sqft will not have to pay more water and UGD charges than the property tax."
While several DMK councillors and zonal chairpersons noted that the monthly charges should be collected, they said the same should be nominal. "The resolution is necessary and it should be reconsidered. If it is cancelled, the entire project will fail, and its quality will be compromised," they said.
It was at the council meeting held on May 14 that the city corporation introduced and passed the resolution to revise the UGD and water charges based on the built-up area of residential and commercial properties, with a provision for an increase of 3% every year.
This resolution faced continuous backlash from both the opposition, DMK and their alliance parties. Series of protests were also carried out by the CPI councillors and cadres in the days following the resolution's passage. The resolution was withdrawn at the council meeting held on Thursday.
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