SMC cuts fees to regularise unauthorised drainage connections

Surat: The standing committee of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday approved a reduction in charges for regularising unauthorised connections to the underground drainage network, aiming to curb illegal linkages and encourage voluntary disclosure by residents.Under the revised policy, owners of residential properties registered before Dec 31, 2025, will be eligible to regularise unauthorised drainage connections, provided they voluntarily disclose the details and submit applications to the SMC by Dec 31, 2026.The decision also covers residential societies that have connected sewage lines to storm water drainage channels instead of the authorised underground drainage system. Earlier, shifting such connections attracted charges equivalent to three times the cost. The standing committee has now reduced this to a flat fee of Rs 500 per individual connection.Similarly, properties that already have sewage lines linked to the drainage network but lack authorisation can now regularise the connection by paying Rs 500, replacing the earlier three-times-cost levy.SMC officials said the reduced fee structure is intended to remove the financial deterrent that often prevents residents from coming forward. By offering a limited-time window and a nominal charge, the civic body expects more households and housing societies to disclose unauthorised connections and shift them to the authorised network.The move is expected to help the civic body improve monitoring of the drainage system, prevent misuse of storm water drains for sewage disposal, and strengthen overall sanitation management across the city.At present, several storm water drainage outlets discharge sewage into the river throughout the year, polluting the water. Similar discharge has also been reported in the weir-cum-causeway water body, from where drinking water is drawn through intake wells. Officials said polluted discharge leads to excessive vegetation growth and water thickening, making it difficult to source drinking water of the required quality and quantity.