DW BUREAU / Chandigarh Federation of Sectors Welfare Association Chandigarh (FOSWAC) has opposed the increase in the rates of the water and petrol prices An executive committee meeting of Federation of Sectors Welfare Association Chandigarh (FOSWAC) was held on February 28, in Hotel Metro sector 35, Chandigarh under the chairman ship of Baljinder Singh Bittu wherein more than one hundred members from various RWAs actively participated. J S Gogia General Secretary triggered the discussion on the current issue of increase in rates of petrol, diesel, gas, transportation, logistics as well as hike in rates of water and its impact on the day to day life of the citizens. Chairman Baljinder Singh Bittu said that the hefty increase in water tariff along with sewage cess is highly condemnable, despite the assurances given by Municipal Authorities and councillors. To add fuel to the fire, everyday increases in GDP (Gas, Diesel and Petrol) is making it very difficult for a common man to meet both ends, he added. He further said that despite tall claims by the Member Parliament Kirron Kher, Chandigarh Administration and Municipal Corporation the problem of Garbage Mountain in Dadu Majra is not resolved till date; rather it is worsening day by day. He said the authorities had failed miserably in removing the garbage mountain as well as in containing frequent fires in the garbage. The obnoxious gases emitting foul smell and toxic fumes are very harmful for the health of city residents especially to the old, children and asthmatic patients. Pankaj Gupta chief spokesperson said that recent increase in gas and water bills are higher by 30 percent. R S Gill from sector 8 added that MC intends to recover Rs. 500 crore from the water bills over a period of time without any value addition. He further apprised that residents are being charged for tertiary water without any supply of water from the last three years. Most of the members raised their voice, that if Delhi can supply free water for two crore of citizens, why MC cannot repeat the same model at Chandigarh. (editor@dailyworld.in)