HDMC to take full House to B'luru to press OTS nod on water dues

Hubballi: The general body of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has decided to take all corporators to Bengaluru to press the state government to approve a One-Time Settlement (OTS) for clearing pending water bills.

The HDMC has been seeking govt approval for the past four years without success.The decision was taken at Thursday’s general body meeting after senior BJP member Tippanna Majjagi sought details of the dues. He said the amount had ballooned due to interest as the govt delayed a decision, adding that while the govt would not lose, the corporation had, and the move could bring relief to lakhs.HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali said Rs 334 crore was pending, including Rs 198 crore in bills and Rs 135 crore as penal interest.

Majjagi said most defaulters were willing to pay if penalties were waived, as these exceeded the bill amount.He said waiving penalties could help collect at least Rs 150 crore quickly for development works and loan repayment. Floor leader Iresh Anchatgeri also spoke.Congress member Arif Bhadrapur said all corporators should go to Bengaluru to protest and secure approval. Despite objections from some party colleagues, he maintained it was his personal stand.Mayor Jyoti Patil ruled that all members would travel next week, hiring two buses to press for OTS approval. Earlier, she thanked members and officials for their support during her tenure.