ULHASNAGAR: The first general body meeting after the newly elected civic body assumed office turned stormy on Friday, with corporators across party lines opposing the administration’s proposal to double, and in some cases triple, the annual water tax. After a heated debate, the House unanimously approved a marginal increase while rejecting the steep hike. Municipal Commissioner Manisha Awhale had tabled a proposal recommending a substantial revision of water tax rates. The administration suggested raising the annual levy for RCC houses from Rs 3,600 to Rs 8,000, for sheet-roofed houses from Rs 1,800 to Rs 6,500, and for slum and hutment dwellings from Rs 1,200 to Rs 3,000. Officials also proposed higher charges for property reconstruction, increased built-up area, and other civic services, estimating an additional Rs 90.83 crore in annual revenue. The proposal drew sharp criticism, with corporators citing persistent complaints about contaminated and irregular water supply, leakages, and poor responsiveness by the water supply department. Newly elected members, including BJP corporators Sherry Lund and Kanchan Lund, Congress’ Anjali Salve, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi’s Vikas Kharat, and Savita Torane and Mayur Mayekar, described the water situation in their wards as “serious”. They urged the administration to ensure a clean and regular supply before imposing higher charges. “Provide safe drinking water first, then consider a hike,” several corporators said. Shinde Sena corporator Rajendra Singh Bhullar questioned the rise in MIDC’s water bill arrears, asking whether monthly payments had been made. His queries put the administration on the defensive, with Executive Engineer Ashok Ghule and Additional Commissioner Kishor Gavas facing scrutiny alongside the municipal commissioner. Adding to the disruptions, BJP corporator Sanjay Singh raised procedural objections, alleging that the meeting was “invalid” as elections to posts such as nominated corporators and committee chairpersons were yet to be held. In a bid to break the deadlock, Shiv Sena group leader Arun Ashan proposed a compromise. The House unanimously approved revised annual water tax rates of Rs 4,400 for RCC houses, Rs 2,400 for sheet-roofed houses, and Rs 1,500 for slum and hutment dwellings. The administration’s proposal for a steep hike was voted down, with corporators insisting that improvements in service delivery must precede any major increase in civic charges.
