Metrowater collects Rs 480 crore water taxes

CHENNAI: With the Greater Chennai Corporation collecting around Rs. 1,000 crore as property tax and other taxes, the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Metrowater) has also collected close to Rs. 500 Crore as water and sewage taxes and charges.

According to Metrowater data, the water manager has collected Rs. 480 Crore as taxes and charges during the first half (April to September) of the current financial year. During the first half of the previous financial year, the water manager had collected only Rs. 372 Crore. This year's collection is 29 per cent more than last year's collection.

As per data, more than 9.91 lakh consumers paid their taxes and charges. Of the total collection, as much as Rs. 153 crore has been collected as arrears.

"In the month of September alone, more than Rs. 169 crore has been collected. During September 2021, only Rs. 155 crore was collected," an official said.

Of the 9.91 lakh consumers, more than 4.65 lakh consumers paid in September. On the last day alone (September 30), around 62,000 consumers paid Rs. 26.87 Crore.

To ensure the long pending dues are collected from the defaulters, the water manager sealed some commercial buildings including a shop in Valasaravakkam and a movie theatre in Chinnasekkadu.