Residents of Tambaram are worried about the ‘silent’ increase in water charges and burden on deposits
Residents meeting Tambaram Corporation Commissioner and registering their protest.
In Tambaram City Municipal Corporation limits, residents are fuming over what they call abnormal monthly water consumption charges and one-time deposits. About three days ago, they learned that they have to make a deposit and a monthly payment for water services based on the plinth area of their houses. The calculation has been processed and the tariff tables are available online. What has left a sour taste in their mouths is the announcement of water supply advances and increase in water consumption charges in September 2025, immediately followed by the GO, but they have not heard a peep about it.
There was no consultation; no explanation. They should have pasted notices outside the premises, says Sethu Madhavan PG, a senior social activist at AGS Colony in Chromepet.
D. Devaraj, secretary, Chromepet New Colony Residents Welfare Association notes that based on the new water consumption charges that would come into effect, the increase would be 300 per cent or more, for those with a plinth area of 600 sq ft or more. Under the revised consumption charges, domestic consumers with a plinth area of 601 to 1,200 sq ft (which would constitute the majority of consumers) will pay a monthly charge of Rs. 150 and a deposit of Rs. 10,000. For those having a plinth area of 1201 to 1800 sq. ft., Rs. 180 and Rs. 12,500. And the amounts grow along with the increase in the plinth area. For domestic consumers with a plinth area of 600 sq ft or less, it is Rs. 120 and Rs. 7500.
On April 15, residents were on the warpath when a hike to triple water charges was introduced and withdrawn before the end of the day. These activists note that the increase is being reintroduced and highlight how the high deposit amount would affect senior citizens in particular. D. Devaraj and K. Subramanian of Chromepet New Colony Residents Welfare Association, Sethu Madhavan PG of AGS Colony, Chromepet and senior social activist Krishnamurti met Tambaram Corporation Commissioner S. Balachander and expressed their disillusionment.
When these residents questioned the lack of prior information about the trip (as well as the absence of consultation with residents), Tambaram Commissioner Balachander reportedly said that information would be made available soon.
Published – 20 May 2026 08:33 IST