The Cantonment Board has decided to increase the water tariff by 20% while keeping house rent rates unchanged. This decision was made during the board meeting held on Friday (28th) at the Cantonment Board Hall. Citizens have expressed satisfaction with the decision not to increase house rent.
Brigadier Joydeep Mukherjee chaired the meeting, which was attended by CEO Rajeev Kumar, MP Jagdish Shettar, MLA Asif Seth, Member Sudhir Tupker, and other officials.
Currently, the Cantonment Board collects 22% of house rent, with no hike implemented since 2019. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had sought clarification on this, prompting the board to discuss the matter. However, given that municipal rent rates stand at 20%, and the Cantonment Board has a higher revenue stream, it was decided not to increase the rent at this time.
At present, residents pay ₹1,500 per year for water supply, while the municipal rates stand at ₹2,500 per year. Following discussions, the board approved a 20% increase, raising the annual water charges to ₹1,800—an increase of ₹300.
The board also approved the development and maintenance of Bhimsen Joshi Garden, Bhagini Nivedita Garden, and a Nursery and Agro Forestry project within the Cantonment limits. Operation Madad Group has been entrusted with carrying out these developments.
Additionally, approval was granted for the establishment of a Cantonment Hospital Development Committee, which will include an Army officer, RMO, Dr. Zubin, and Member Sudhir Tupker. The committee will meet monthly to discuss hospital improvements.
Change in Water Supply Timing: Member Sudhir Tupker suggested that instead of releasing water at 4:30 PM, it should be supplied in the morning.
Statue Installation: A demand was made to install a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj within the Cantonment limits.
This meeting marks a significant step in balancing infrastructure improvements while ensuring affordability for residents.