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The government has implemented different water billing rules for homestays in rural and urban areas.
The reintroduction of water charges is part of this government's efforts to restructure water management.
The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a new policy requiring rural residents to pay water bills. Under the scheme, villagers will now have to pay Rs 100 per month for water. . The reintroduction of water charges is part of this government's efforts to restructure water management.
Additionally, the government has implemented different water billing rules for homestays in rural and urban areas. The Jal Shakti department has been tasked with setting up separate billing schedules for homestays based on their location, details of which will be finalized soon.
The government has also taken steps to increase employment in rural areas. Measures such as promoting natural farming and supporting rural self-employment schemes are part of the strategy. Encouraging the development of B&Bs in rural areas is another initiative to boost local employment, although these B&Bs typically only operate for a few months each year. Despite its seasonality, homestays are seen as an important employment opportunity.
Homestays in urban areas, where more people stay throughout the year, will be charged commercial water rates. In contrast, rural homestays, which are typically vacant for much of the year, will have their water bills calculated closer to domestic water rates. Currently, there are about 4,000 registered homestays in Himachal Pradesh, of which 60-65% are located in rural areas and 35-40% in urban areas.
While the new policy restores water rates in rural areas, some exemptions remain. Families, widows, single women and persons with disabilities whose annual income does not exceed Rs 50,000 will continue to receive free water services as per the previous policy.
