Gujarat: Government hikes Narmada water price

Ahmedabad: The Rupani government of Gujarat is now raising the price of Narmada drinking water and water for industrial use. Drinking water will be costlier by 38 paisa per 1000 liters from March 2021 and price of water for industrial use will hike by Rs. 3.13.

Consumers using Narmada Canal water in Gujarat may have to pay higher rates. Narmada water is supplied for drinking and for industries. At present, till March 2021, Narmada Corporation has fixed the rate for drinking at Rs 3.80 per 1000 liters, while the rate for industrial consumption has been fixed at Rs 31.38 per 1000 liters.

After March 2021, the rate for drinking water will be increased by 38 paisa and for industrial use, this price will be increased by Rs 3.13. It has been decided to increase both water consumption rates in the new financial year. In Gujarat in the year 2006-07, when rates were fixed for the first time, one rupee was kept for drinking water and 10 rupees for industrial consumption.

In 2014-15, the rates were Rs 2.14 and Rs 17.72 respectively. Narmada Corporation sources said that the water rate of Narmada has increased by 10 percent at the end of each financial year. Water is distributed to the people in Gujarat where the main canal and sub canals of Narmada are located. This responsibility has been taken up by the water supply department and its affiliated agencies. The Narmada division itself does not distribute water.