What is the water cess for industries operating in Bangalore?

Detailed Legal Analysis

The water cess for industries operating in Bangalore is governed by the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977, which mandates the collection of cess on water consumed by industries to promote conservation and efficient use of water resources.

Under the provisions of the Water Cess Act, the cess is imposed based on the quantity of water consumed by the industrial units. The cess rates are categorized based on the type of water usage, which includes:

• Surface Water: Cess is applicable on water drawn from rivers, streams, lakes, etc.
• Ground Water: Cess is charged for water extracted from borewells and wells.
• Municipal Water Supply: Cess is levied on water supplied by municipal corporations.

The cess rates as per the Water Cess Act are structured as follows:

• For Industrial Use: The cess for water used by industries is generally structured as follows:
• ₹ 4.00 per kiloliter for water used in the manufacture of products.
• ₹ 2.00 per kiloliter for water used for cooling purposes.
• ₹ 6.00 per kiloliter for water used for any other purpose.
• Exemptions: Certain industries that operate in special economic zones or those that fall under specific categories may be exempt from water cess.

To comply with the Water Cess Act, industries must:

• Register with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
• Submit the prescribed water consumption returns periodically as stipulated by the KSPCB.
• Pay the cess as calculated based on their water consumption.

Failure to comply with the provisions of the Water Cess Act can result in penalties under Section 8 of the Act, which may include fines or prosecution for non-payment. Industries are advised to maintain accurate records of water usage and ensure timely payment of cess to avoid legal consequences.

For further details, industries can refer to the official notifications issued by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, which may also provide updates on cess rates and compliance requirements.