The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a new policy requiring rural residents to pay water bills. Under this scheme, villagers will now need to pay a monthly water bill of Rs 100. This marks a shift from the BJP-led government under Jairam Thakur, which had waived water bills in rural areas. The reintroduction of water charges is part of the current government’s efforts to restructure water management.
Additionally, the government introduced different water billing rules for homestays in rural and urban areas. The Jal Shakti Department has been tasked with creating separate billing slabs for homestays depending on their location, with details to be finalised soon.
The government is also taking steps to increase employment in rural areas. Initiatives such as promoting natural farming and supporting rural self-employment schemes are part of this strategy. Encouraging the development of homestays in rural regions is another effort to boost local employment, although these homestays typically operate only for a few months each year. Despite their seasonal nature, homestays are seen as a significant employment opportunity.
Homestays in urban areas, which are more consistently occupied throughout the year, will be charged commercial rates for water. In contrast, rural homestays, which are often vacant for much of the year, will have their water bills calculated closer to domestic rates. Currently, there are approximately 4,000 registered homestays in Himachal Pradesh, with 60-65% located in rural areas and 35-40% in urban regions.
While the new policy reinstates water bills in rural areas, some exemptions remain. Families with an annual income of up to Rs 50,000, widows, single women, and individuals with disabilities will continue to receive free water services, as per the previous policy.
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