Chandigarh: The cost of civic services in Chandigarh is set to rise again. From April, residents will pay higher water charges along with a costlier sewerage cess — on top of the garbage collection hike rolled out in January. Commercial establishments, too, will face steeper garbage bills under the Chandigarh municipal corporation’s latest tariff revision.The increases are part of the MC’s annual revision cycle and are expected to significantly boost its revenue. The 5% hike in water supply charges will apply across all categories — domestic, commercial, institutional and TT water consumers.With the 5% rise in water and commercial garbage rates, the sewerage cess will continue to be levied at 20% of the total (now higher) water consumption charges. Garbage fees for residential properties were already revised in January, while commercial units will see the new rates kick in from April 1.According to the engineering department, the MC currently earns ₹150–160 crore annually from water charges, including arrears. The 5% upward revision is projected to add another ₹7.5–8 crore to this revenue. Although the sewerage cess rate remains unchanged at 20%, officials said the cess amount will still rise proportionately due to the higher water bills. The cess was earlier 30%, before being reduced to 25% and then to the current 20% over the past few years.Garbage collection is another major revenue source. With a 5% increase in collection charges, the MC expects an additional ₹1–1.20 crore in the coming fiscal year. The civic body currently collects ₹20–22 crore annually through garbage fees. Residential garbage charges are bundled with water bills, while commercial units pay through property tax bills.FOSWAC chairman Baljinder Singh Bittu criticised the hikes, alleging that civic services were not keeping pace with rising costs. “The authorities in Chandigarh are acting like private companies whose only motive is to extract money from residents,” he said. “Many areas still face irregular water supply and even contaminated water at times. Instead of improving basic services, the MC keeps increasing charges. Garbage collection is also poor, with collectors not coming daily or on time. The corporation must focus on service quality rather than money-minting exercises.”
