Pune Among Five Districts Facing Proposed Water Tariff Revision, Public Feedback Open Till June 5
Pune Among Five Districts Facing Proposed Water Tariff Revision, Public Feedback Open Till June 5
Pune, June 1, 2026: Leader of the Congress in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, MLC Satej Patil, has formally urged the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) to extend the ongoing hearing process on the proposed revised water tariff policy by an additional 15 days, citing the need for broader public participation and stakeholder engagement.
In a written representation submitted to the Authority’s Chairperson, Patil stated that after participating in the online hearing on the revised draft water tariff proposal, he found that the consultation process had not adequately reached all affected groups. Discussions during the hearing reportedly covered several significant issues, including revised water charges, mandatory water meter installation, penalty provisions, and proposed amendments to water usage regulations.
Patil emphasized that the proposed changes could have far-reaching consequences for millions of farmers and water users across Maharashtra. He stressed the importance of obtaining feedback from key stakeholders such as farmers, cooperative water supply societies, gram panchayats, municipal councils, municipal corporations, and industry representatives before any final decision is made.
He has requested that the hearing period be extended by at least 15 days and that detailed information regarding the proposed tariff revisions be widely circulated to all concerned stakeholders, enabling them to submit their suggestions, concerns, and objections.
Highlighting specific areas that require further discussion, Patil said the draft proposals should be reviewed with regard to maintaining water allocation permissions linked to crop patterns, charging users based on actual cultivation, withdrawing enhanced penalty provisions, ensuring fixed schedules for canal water distribution, and providing concessional rates to cooperative lift irrigation societies.
He also opposed the mandatory installation of water meters and the proposed penalties for non-installation. Additionally, he argued that cooperative water supply societies, which function independently under the Cooperation Department, should not be merged with Water Users’ Associations.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority has announced a five-day extension for submitting public feedback on the draft tariff proposal. The original deadline of May 31, 2026, has now been extended until 5:00 pm on June 5, 2026.
Stakeholders can submit their views and objections through the designated Google Form link or via email.
