The idea first germinated in March, 2007 when it was proposed that water meters be fitted in every house. Bhattacharya said: “In my last Budget speech, I had mentioned that water tax would be introduced in Kolkata. Forward Block councillors, who were present during the session, had not raised their voices then. But now, they are against it. However, that has not deterred us. If we don’t implement the plan, funds sanctioned by the Asian Development Bank and the Central will remain unutilised.”

An 11-member KMC team had gone to Karnataka last December to study how water meters work. The team had visited Hubli in Dharwad to check out the water distribution system. After the team returned, it was decided water meters would be used for domestic purposes. The proposal was tabled for discussion in the meeting of the Member Mayor-in-Councils. But the only Bloc MMic Subodh De objected to this and the plan could not be passed.

On February 5 — the day five Bloc supporters died in Dinhata in police firing — Bloc members of the Kolkata Zila Committee submitted a deputation to the mayor asking him not to implement water tax. Bloc’s Moinuddin Shams said, “We will withdraw support if this tax is implemented.” Subodh De, MMic of Health, feels the same.