Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has decided to launch a special drive to recover long-pending water cess dues from defaulters across the city. The civic body is yet to collect Rs 209 crore in pending water cess, making it one of its major outstanding revenue components.Domestic consumers account for Rs 168 crore of the dues, while various govt departments and agencies owe Rs 41 crore. Officials said the campaign will focus on identifying chronic defaulters and ensuring faster recovery. MCC plans to issue notices and initiate action against those who continue to default despite repeated reminders.Out of 1.8 lakh drinking water connections in the city, around 60,000 connections—both domestic and commercial—account for the pending Rs 209 crore. Despite issuing several reminders and notices, and announcing a one-time settlement scheme with an interest waiver on outstanding bills, the civic body has seen little response, officials said.Among major defaulters, Indian Railways owes Rs 20.8 crore, Mysuru City Police Rs 8.5 crore, the department of education and literacy Rs 3.3 crore, and the health department Rs 1.1 crore. Collection has become more challenging after MCC revised domestic water tariffs by 30% and underground drainage cess by 30% to 40% this year.Speaking to TOI, MCC commissioner Sheikh Tanveer Asif said, “We have decided to launch a special drive to recover pending bills and will take strict action, including disconnecting water connections if dues are not cleared.”Former mayor Bhyrappa said that as MCC is struggling to arrange funds, the civic body must act tough. He suggested that staff should follow the example of CESC by disconnecting water connections of defaulters who fail to clear their dues.
