Politics
Thane Residents Vote on Water Tariff Changes Affecting 42 Wards
Residents across Thane will vote on whether to approve changes to monthly water charges that the Thane Municipal Corporation projects will generate 85 crore rupees for pipeline upgrades over five years.
How we reported this
The Thane Municipal Corporation has placed a referendum measure on the ballot for 12 September 2026 that would authorise adjustments to water supply charges for domestic connections in 42 of the city's 65 wards. The measure applies to metered households served by the existing distribution network and excludes areas already covered under separate special economic zone agreements.
The referendum follows the release of the corporation's 2025-26 budget documents, which identified deferred maintenance on pipelines installed before 2005 as a primary driver of non-revenue water losses estimated at 28 percent of total supply. Corporation records show current charges have remained unchanged since the 2022 revision, while bulk water purchase costs from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation have risen in each subsequent fiscal year.
For a typical household in Kopri or Naupada using 15,000 litres per month, passage of the measure would add between 35 and 55 rupees to the existing bill starting in the 2027-28 billing cycle. Residents in Wagle Estate and Vartak Nagar wards would see the same structure applied, with the corporation stating that the revenue would fund replacement of 48 kilometres of distribution mains identified in the 2024 hydraulic study.
Local Analysts and Resident Input on Implementation Details
Policy analysts reviewing the corporation's referendum notice state that the proposed tariff bands maintain the existing lifeline rate for connections under 10,000 litres while applying graduated increases above that threshold. Local advocates note that the measure includes a provision for quarterly review of actual collections against project milestones, with any shortfall to be reported in the annual financial statement presented to the general body.
The corporation's public notice lists 18 information sessions scheduled at ward offices between 15 July and 10 August, where residents can examine the detailed project list and projected timelines for each of the 42 affected wards. Results of the referendum will determine whether the tariff schedule takes effect from 1 April 2027 or whether the existing rates remain in force until the next budget cycle.