MUMBAI: In its budget for 2025-26, the BMC announced it would begin to levy water and sewerage charges on unmetered properties.
According to the Maharashtra govt decision of Feb 2, 2022, residential properties under 500 square feet were exempt from water and sewerage taxes. Previously, these taxes were collected via property tax bills. “A survey is underway to assess water usage for unmetered properties under 500 sq ft and a policy will be drafted to implement fair charges based on the findings,” stated the budget.
A BMC official said water and sewerage charges are included in property tax bills for several residential and commercial properties in Mumbai where water meters are yet to be installed. “In suburban areas, where water meters are in place, the BMC issues separate bills—one for property tax (showing water charges as nil) and one for water usage. However, in city areas without meters, water charges are collected through property tax. With property tax waived for homes under 500 sq ft, it’s crucial to regulate unmetered properties and implement a proper charging policy,” the official said.
The BMC’s move drew criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, who in a post on X accused the BMC of burdening residents to cover contractor payments. “In 2022, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi was in power, then CM (Uddhav Thackeray) waived maintenance tax for homes under 500 sq ft and also exempted water and sewage charges. Now, the BMC is trying to squeeze money from Mumbaikars to repay its favoured contractors. Charging water and sewage fees for homes under 500 sq ft is unfair.”
