Pune: Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has been collecting one of the highest water rates from companies in Kharadi Knowledge Park.MIDC is charging companies in the knowledge park Rs 104.75 per cubic metre (per 1,000 litres), which is significantly higher compared to industrial areas in Mumbai, where the rates range between Rs 25-26, and Rs 24.25 in Pune, which includes Pimpri Chinchwad, Chakan, and Hinjewadi.An official said the higher charges are due to the MIDC sourcing water from PMC at Rs 80.14 per cubic metre. To this, MIDC adds its own markup for maintaining overhead tank, electricity, operating effluent treatment plants, and upkeep of pipelines.“There are only 10-12 companies in Kharadi IT area under MIDC jurisdiction, with little scope for expansion of the area. So, it does not make sense to lay a large infrastructure that is present in other industrial parks. In contrast, there are around 3,000 consumers in Pimpri Chinchwad, Chakan, or Ranjangaon MIDC industrial areas,” said an MIDC official.Water consumption by MIDC consumers in Kharadi is 1.5 lakh litres per day, which is very low compared to 13 crore litres per day in Pimpri Chinchwad or Chakan. MIDC increased the water charges by Rs 2.75 per 1,000 litres, effective from Sept 1. The last time it had increased the water charges was in the year 2013, as per the circular.The increase in water charges has been opposed by industry. “The water cess hike by MIDC is unjust and unfair to industries. MIDC has unilaterally increased the cess three to four times without consulting or considering the concerns of industries. This will have an adverse impact on industries,” said Dilip Batwal, secretary, Federation of Chakan Industries.
