Joshi, Deputy Mayor Ajit Patel, and Standing Committee chairperson Dr Jigeesha Sheth told reporters on Monday evening that although the representations of the industrialists and other residents of the city would be looked into sympathetically, nothing could be done at present.

At a meeting on Saturday, the industrialists had decided to boycott the water bills in protest against the charges being hiked from Rs 1,200 per annum to Rs 6,300.

Patel said that so far the industrialists have not met them personally, but the elected wing has received letters in the form of representations from various industrial associations.

The VMC office-bearers said that although the Municipal Commissioner has stated that the hike has been effected considering the cost incurred in bringing water from various sources, the elected wing would seek details from the administration, and a final decision would be taken only after that.

The industrialists are expected to submit a memorandum to the Municipal Commissioner and the Mayor on Thursday.

Patel said the administration would look into the billing errors resulting from incorrect categorisation of water connections.

While the VMC has already invited objections from residential connection-holders who have been wrongly billed, a meeting is being held in the VMC on Tuesday to find a solution to the issue.

Joshi said all consumers should pay their bills, and the difference would be returned later on.