Hyderabad, April 24: Taxing times, literally, are here for those caught on the wrong side of the law, be it the ongoing IT raids on IPL franchisees at the national level or the recent GHMC crackdown on property tax defaulters in the city. More seems to be in store as the water board is now determined to claim its due that runs up to Rs 150 cr.
Inspired by the success of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC)’s property tax collection drive, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) has decided to act tough on the consumers who defaulted in payment of water bills. It has issued a serious warning that those with accumulated arrears of more than six months have to clear all the dues within a fortnight or face disconnection of both water and sewerage connections.
HMWS&SB officials told Expresso that under Section 42 (b) of HMWS&SB Act, the board, without further notice, will be forced to disconnect the water supply and sewerage connections of the consumers who fail to make the payment by May 7. Further, action will be taken to recover the dues under the Revenue Recovery Act. The board is preparing the stage for the crackdown by engaging Disconnection Squads for all divisions.
The board has drawn up a list of 2.61 lakh defaulters for over six months, out of the total 7.29 lakh consumers, with accumulated arrears of Rs 148-150 cr. The unpaid bills for the last two-three months run up to another Rs 329 crore.
“Our intention is not to harass customers, but remind them to clear the long-pending dues. The payments will help the Water Board provide better services,’’ an official said.
–Agencies