Gangapur dam, the major source of water for Nashik city, is 98% full
WRD has raised the rate charged to NMC for drawing water from dams by nearly 45%, increasing it from 55 paise to 80 paise per 1,000 litres with effect from July 1. The decision comes against the backdrop of a failed attempt in 2023, when NMC proposed increasing the water tariff from Rs 5 to Rs 12 per 1,000 litres. The officials said no increase in water tax had been implemented in recent years, with the 2023 proposal remaining the only recent attempt to revise rates.
Civic officials, however, said the additional burden would not be passed on to consumers for now. A senior NMC official said there was no proposal to revise water tax during the current financial year. Given the current focus on improving supply and the preparations for Kumbh Mela, there is no proposal to hike water tax until these works are completed,” the official told TOI .
The official cited ongoing water infrastructure projects linked to the upcoming Kumbh Mela , along with complaints of irregular water supply in some parts of the city, as key reasons behind the decision. “Water-related projects, including treatment and distribution works, are under way. it was later withdrawn following public protests and intervention by then guardian minister Dada Bhuse Although the proposal secured standing committee approval.