Shiv Sena yesterday backed the annual eight per cent water hike approved in last year’s BMC budget, while members of the Opposition parties said their hands were tied as the rule has already been passed in the general body meeting last year.

Sena man Shailesh Phanse, leader of the house in the BMC, said, “The citizens can afford an eight per cent hike. The charge for 1,000 litres of water is just Rs 4.50, and the hike of hardly a rupee would not burn big holes in their pockets. Even if the hike continues for another five years, a 40 per cent increase will not make much of a difference, considering the water supply that is released to the public.”