Paani Kam Tax Zyaada

Paani Kam Tax Zyaada

Corruption, dirty politics, high taxes and pilferage leave Mira Bhayandar residents high and dry

First, the good news. The BJP-led municipal corporation will inaugurate an additional 100 MLD of water supply to Mira Bhayandar on April 30 amid much fanfare.

Now, the bad news. How much of that water do you think is going to reach your homes? Very little.

Rampant corruption

The reason is the rampant corruption, pilferage and dirty politics around water in Mira Bhayandar

Residents have been reeling under supply cuts for the last three years, facing a 20-40% cut. But they have been paying water taxes through their nose – almost a 50% hike year on year.

Besides, water taxes, cost of new water connections have also soared.

Paying for water you do not use

Residents are not just paying higher taxes for water they consume. They are also paying for a lot of water that never makes it to their homes.

Water bills in Mira Bhayandar are calculated on an assessed basis. The large cuts in water supply are never reflected in the bills. As a result, locals are paying for water that they don’t even get.

Rising tempers

Along with the mercury, tempers are also rising. Says an angry resident: “Who is going to benefit from this additional water. Most of the additional water will go to new housing projects, many of them promoted by prominent ruling party politicians. This is just a political gimmick to inaugurate it now.”

Dirty politics

The resident has a point. The allocation of additional water was secured by the previous regime, led by the Congress. The BJP is trying to extract political mileage on the eve of the civic elections, slated for July.

Many residents are questioning the management of water, which is one of the biggest problems they face.

Water theft

Corruption and pilferage is rampant. Consider this:

·      Water pilferages rose from 10% to 30% in last two years.

·      Slums increased by 15% in the last two years and most of them get their water from municipal tankers.

·      New constructions are among the largest consumers of water and they stand to be the biggest beneficiaries. Prominent BJP leaders of the area have large projects in the works that will benefit the most. 

·      One third of Mira Bhayandar residents received assessed bills, which is 50% over and above the normal bills.

Tax-paying residents are being forced to seek alternative sources for water and end up paying a significant sum of money for a basic necessity of life, while water meant for them is diverted to builders and slums.

Rising costs (tax per thousand litres)

                                 

	2012	2017
Residential	7000	10000
Commercial	10000	35000

New Water Connection Charges

	2012	2017
Residential	25000	50000
Commercial	25000	75000