Tambaram Residents Up in Arms Over Sudden Water Charges Hike
Residents of Tambaram City Municipal Corporation are fuming over the sudden and steep hike in monthly water consumption charges and one-time deposits. The new charges, which are based on the plinth area of houses, have left many feeling burdened and frustrated.
No Prior Notice or Consultation
What has added to the residents’ anger is that the notification regarding the water supply deposits and increase in water consumption charges was made in September 2025, without any prior notice or consultation with the residents. According to Sethu Madhavan P.G., a senior social activist from AGS Colony in Chromepet, the authorities should have at least pasted notices outside premises to inform the residents about the changes.
The revised consumption charges have been made available online, but many residents are shocked to see the steep increase in charges. For instance, domestic consumers with a plinth area of 601 to 1200 sq.ft will have to pay a monthly charge of Rs. 150 and a deposit of Rs. 10,000. The amounts rise along with the increase in plinth area, with those having a plinth area of 1201 to 1800 sq.ft having to pay Rs. 180 and Rs. 12,500, and so on.
Protest and Representation
On April 15, residents had taken to the streets to protest against a similar hike, which was eventually rolled back. However, the hike has been reintroduced, much to the dismay of the residents. A delegation of residents, including D. Devaraj, K. Subramanian, and Sethu Madhavan P.G., met with the Tambaram Corporation Commissioner S. Balachander to express their dissatisfaction with the new charges.
The residents are particularly concerned about the impact of the steep deposit amount on senior citizens. When questioned about the lack of prior information and consultation, the Commissioner reportedly said that the information would be made available soon.
- The new water consumption charges are based on the plinth area of houses.
- Domestic consumers with a plinth area of 601 to 1200 sq.ft will have to pay a monthly charge of Rs. 150 and a deposit of Rs. 10,000.
- The amounts rise along with the increase in plinth area, with those having a plinth area of 1201 to 1800 sq.ft having to pay Rs. 180 and Rs. 12,500, and so on.
- The hike is expected to affect senior citizens the most, due to the steep deposit amount.
Source: Original Article
About the Author
