While the state government had advised a 40 per cent hike, MC decided only to implement a 10 per cent increase for now. Two councillors of CPI(M) staged a walk out in protest against the move while councillors of the BJP and Congress voted in favour of the move. As per the new rates, consumers will now have to shell out nearly Rs 4.20 for consumption slab of ‘one kilo litre to 30 Kl’.

The earlier rates for this slab were Rs 3.85 per Kl. Rates for the next slab of 30 to 70 Kl will now be nearly Rs 5, against the present rate of Rs 4.50. Similarly, rates for consumers of 70 to 100 Kl will be Rs 6 per Kl, against the current rate of Rs 5.50 per Kl.

Deputy Mayor Harish Janartha, who is the acting Mayor these days, presided over the house meeting. He said, “The Corporation has asked the Irrigation and Public Health Department to ensure regular water supply to consumers so that there is no resentment against the hike.”

The tariff was last increased in 2004.The Municipal Corporation had earlier submitted an affidavit in the High Court to hike water tariff by 10 per cent annually.