A sudden and retrospective water tariff hike by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has triggered widespread anger among residents and industries across Maharashtra. New tariffs, which have been enforced from September 1, are facing heavy criticism due to ongoing issues such as water leakages, mismanagement, and lack of transparency.
The new rates were announced via a circular dated September 9 from MIDC’s Mumbai headquarters, with local offices like Dombivli receiving a circular on September 11. However, the rates are being applied from September 1, raising serious concerns about procedural fairness and transparency.
Public criticism
“This is nothing short of backstabbing the people,” said Raju Nalawade, a social activist from Dombivli who is leading protests. He stated that the decision was taken without any public consultation, even though water theft and leakages have been draining the system for years. Information obtained via the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveals that more than 15 per cent of water supplied by the MIDC is lost due to leakages and theft. Despite repeated complaints and recommendations from civic bodies, the body has not taken effective steps to fix these issues.
Residents are frustrated with the unreliable and poor quality of the water supply. “MIDC’s water is supplied at very low pressure. Our tanks don’t even fill during the day. There is a shutdown every Friday, but water does not flow for two days after that. We don’t mind paying more, but we must get sufficient water. That’s all we ask for,” said Varsha Mahadik. “First, stop major water theft and fix constantly leaking pipelines. All of us here are from middle-class families, and this hike is not affordable. The hike for residential users should be withdrawn,” said Bhalchandra Mhatre, a resident.
Poor management?
Barvi Dam, located in the Murbad–Badlapur region and owned by MIDC, supplies water to several cities and industrial zones in the Thane district. Yet, MIDC has failed to put any strong measures in place to reduce water loss. Moreover, several municipal councils and gram panchayats reportedly owe crores of rupees in unpaid water bills.
Citizens feel that instead of recovering dues from these defaulters, MIDC is unfairly penalising honest, bill-paying consumers. When contacted, MIDC official Shankar Awhad stated, “We last increased the tariff in 2015 or 2016. This is the first revision since then. If you come to the office tomorrow [Monday], I will provide all the details.”
Political impact
With municipal elections nearing, the tariff hike has become a major issue. Citizens’ groups, social organisations, and industry bodies are preparing to launch protests across the state if the hike is not reversed. “This is just the beginning. If MIDC does not withdraw this decision, we will make sure the issue is raised in every corner, from the streets to the legislature,” warned Nalawade.
Revised MIDC water tariffs
Residential users: Rs 8.25 to Rs 9.25 per unit (Rs 1 hike)
Industrial users: Rs 22.50 to Rs 25.25 per unit (Rs 2.75 hike)
Water used in raw material processing: Rs 85 to Rs 88 per unit (Rs 3.25 hike) (Effective September 1)
