The Himachal Pradesh government has permitted the Shimla Municipal Corporation to hike water charges in the municipal limits and its adjoining areas. According to notification issued recently, the rates for domestic consumers have been increased from the present Rs 2.50 to rs 3.50 per kilolitre within the MC limit up to 30,000 litres per month. Charges from 30,000 litres to 75,000 litres will be Rs 5 per kilolitre and beyond Rs 7 per kilolitre per month.