Left parties agitate over hefty hike in water charges

Rajamahendravaram: Leaders of CPI and CPM staged a dharna at municipal corporation office here on Monday, demanding that the corporation reduce water charges immediately as the poor and middle class people were not able to afford it.

The CPM leader, T Arun said the corporation enhanced the water charges to Rs 2,080 from Rs 180 without discussing the matter in the council or with anybody. 

The corporation had mounted financial burden on the poor to increase its income, he alleged.

The Left parties would fight for the people in this regard until the corporation reduces the charges, he warned.

The issue was raised in the recent municipal council meeting when people expressed anger over the hike. 

However, the council did not pursue the issue. He asked Mayor PRS Sai and corporators to look into the matter immediately.