Mandi residents face water bill shock

OP Kapoor, president of Citizens Council Mandi stated that after a prolonged delay of nine months, the Jal Shakti Department has finally begun the distribution of water bills in Mandi town. The bills, however, come with a steep hike in tariffs, sparking widespread discontent among residents who are now facing unexpectedly high charges.

“As per the Jal Shakti Department, the pending bills will be issued in three-month installments to cover the gap. The revised billing structure, which has been applied retroactively from October 1, 2024, introduces a significant increase in water charges compared to the earlier flat rate” he said.

Under the new slab system

He said for consumption up to 20 kilolitres, the rate is now Rs 19.30 per kilolitre (up from the earlier flat rate of Rs 13.86). For 20–30 kilolitres, the rate is Rs 33.28 per kilolitre. Consumption above 30 kilolitres is being charged at Rs 59.90 per kilolitre.

“Additionally, sewerage charges remain at 30% of the water bill, but due to the increased water rates, these too have risen substantially. To add to consumers’ burdens, a monthly maintenance charge of Rs 110 is also being levied separately” he added.

Drastic impact on

monthly water bills

Kapoor said the combined effect of the tariff hike, sewerage charges and maintenance fee has led to a dramatic increase in household water bills: For 20 kilolitres: from Rs 360.36 to Rs 611.80 – a 70% increase. For 30 kilolitres: from Rs 415.80 to Rs. 1,154.44 – a 178% increase. For 40 kilolitres: from Rs 554.40 to Rs 1,823.14 – a 229% increase. “These figures reflect a steep financial burden on households, many of whom were not adequately informed or prepared for such changes” he asserted.

Citizens’ Council intervenes

The delay in bill distribution and the sudden hike in tariffs prompted strong intervention by the Citizen Council, Mandi, led by president OP Kapoor. Initially raising the issue at the departmental level, the council escalated the matter to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister when no resolution was forthcoming.

According to Kapoor, a delegation met the Jal Shakti Minister (also the Deputy Chief Minister) Mukesh Agnihotri at the Circuit House, Mandi earlier, highlighting concerns over revenue loss due to delayed billing and the undue financial burden on consumers caused by lump-sum payments. “Following this intervention, the department initiated the process of bill distribution — but to the dismay of many, the bills reflected the significantly increased rates,” he said.

Citizens react with anger

Kapoor said despite prior warnings issued by the Citizen Council in their October 4, 2024, communication, public opposition was muted at the time. However, now that the bills have physically reached households, a wave of protests and dissatisfaction is emerging across the city.

“Local residents are calling for a review of the rate structure by the state government and demanding a more gradual implementation to ease the financial impact,” he said.

Himachal Tribune