Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) is grappling with a major financial challenge as unpaid water bills from government departments, commercial establishments, industries and domestic consumers have crossed ₹209 crore. Civic authorities fear the outstanding amount could increase further if immediate and stringent recovery measures are not implemented.
Outstanding dues cross ₹209 crore
According to data from the Vani Vilas Water Supply and Underground Drainage Division, total unpaid water charges have reached ₹209.17 crore.
Of the total arrears, government departments account for ₹41.04 crore, while commercial establishments, industries and domestic consumers together owe ₹168.13 crore. The mounting dues have emerged as a significant concern for the civic body, which relies on regular revenue collection to maintain water supply infrastructure and related services.
The Vani Vilas Water Supply Division provides drinking water connections to thousands of households, businesses, industries and government institutions across Mysuru. Despite regular billing, many consumers have reportedly failed to clear dues for several years, resulting in the accumulation of substantial arrears.
Tariff revision adds urgency to recovery efforts
The issue has gained greater significance following the recent revision of water tariffs by the Mysuru City Corporation.
The revised rates came into effect on April 1, increasing the minimum monthly water charge from ₹125 to ₹163. Consumption-based charges have also been revised across various slabs. Additionally, the Underground Drainage (UGD) cess has been increased from 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the water bill.
Officials have already begun issuing revised bills to residential consumers, commercial establishments, industries and government offices. However, civic authorities are concerned that the large backlog of unpaid dues could adversely affect the corporation’s finances if recovery efforts are delayed.
Civic body itself among defaulters
In a development that has attracted criticism, records show that the Mysuru City Corporation itself is listed among the defaulters.
According to available data, the civic body owes ₹5.25 lakh to its own Vani Vilas Water Works division. The revelation has raised questions regarding the corporation’s ability to enforce payment discipline among consumers while its own dues remain unpaid.
Observers say the issue highlights the need for greater accountability and timely settlement of bills across all categories of consumers.
Concerns over financial sustainability
Experts have warned that continued accumulation of unpaid bills could place additional pressure on Mysuru’s water supply infrastructure and future development projects.
Water supply systems require substantial expenditure on maintenance, upgrades and operational costs. Delayed payments can affect the financial stability of the utility and limit its ability to undertake essential infrastructure improvements.
With revised tariffs now in force, ensuring efficient revenue collection has become increasingly important for sustaining public services.
Calls for special recovery drive
Civic activists and public representatives have urged the corporation to launch a dedicated recovery drive to address the growing arrears.
They have called on authorities to identify chronic defaulters and initiate appropriate action to ensure timely payment of utility charges. Suggestions include issuing notices, conducting awareness campaigns and implementing stricter enforcement measures against persistent non-payers.
Officials maintain that improving bill recovery is essential to maintaining uninterrupted water supply services and strengthening the corporation’s financial position.
MCC under pressure to improve collections
As Mysuru continues to expand and demand for civic services rises, the corporation faces mounting pressure to improve revenue collection and ensure efficient management of public resources.
With more than ₹209 crore in outstanding dues and revised tariffs already in effect, civic authorities are expected to intensify recovery efforts in the coming months to safeguard the financial health of the city’s water supply system.