Big Property Projects must pay for Water Infrastructure Development

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has announced that it will impose a charge for water infrastructure development on medium and large real estate projects in the city. This charge will be collected from developers and will be the first of its kind to be introduced by the civic body. The money generated will be used to improve water supply in areas where housing or commercial projects are being planned.

The proposal to impose a water infrastructure development charge on mid and large real estate projects in Kolkata has been approved by the KMC House and will come into effect from December 1. The levy will be imposed on all upcoming real estate projects that exceed 20,000 square feet in size, with the civic body charging Rs 100 per square meter (1,000 square feet).

According to civic officials, the decision to impose a water infrastructure development charge was made due to the need to improve water infrastructure in and around Kolkata, particularly in areas like Joka and Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, where real estate projects have been constructed. The city's population density is increasing, and with it, the demand for potable water. Additionally, there are many redevelopment projects within the city that involve the construction of high-rise buildings. A civic official stated that the charge is necessary to fund the requirement.

Despite the construction of over 20 capsule water booster pumping stations by the KMC in areas where multiple large residential complexes have been built, residents are still facing water shortages. The sharp increase in demand for water has outpaced the supply capacity, leading to an ongoing water crisis, according to an official from the KMC water supply department.

By LNN (Liyaans News Network)