The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), in all likelihood, will implement the long-pending water tariff hike in the city as Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar has directed officials to submit a report on the proposed hike.
Talking to the media after a meeting with BBMP, BDA, BWSSB, and BMRDA officials at Cauvery Bhavan on Tuesday, Mr. Shivakumar said, “The report will be reviewed, and necessary action will be taken soon to implement the hike. Measures will also be introduced to regularise illegal water connections and ensure accurate accounting of water usage.”
Highlighting the financial losses incurred by the BWSSB, Mr Shivakumar stated that the city’s water tariff has not been hiked for the past 11 years, leading to an annual loss of ₹1,000 crores for the board. The electricity bill alone, which used to be ₹35 crore, has now surged to ₹75 crore. Including other operational costs, the monthly deficit amounts to ₹85 crore.
“There is an inevitable need to increase water charges. BWSSB has consulted city legislators about this. Moreover, banks are reluctant to provide loans for water network expansion, citing the board’s financial losses. Even organisations like Japan International Cooperation demand repayment assurances before extending support,” he added.
He further assured that subsidies for the urban poor would continue, reinstating the ₹20 crore assistance stopped by the previous BJP government. “While water supply will continue for the underprivileged, every drop must be accounted for. Even if it’s as little as one paisa per litre, the government must know how much water is being used,” he said.
Accurate data on usage and regularisation
He also emphasised the need for a comprehensive system to track water usage across different categories, including slums, residential complexes, and affluent households. “Every illegal connection must be regularised. Public awareness campaigns will also be launched to encourage residents to obtain legal water connections,” he said.
Mr. Shivakumar directed officials to ensure that Bengaluru faces no drinking water shortage during the summer. Measures to improve groundwater levels, including filling up lakes, are also being prioritised.
Cauvery Stage V and new connections
Under the Cauvery Stage V drinking water project, 15,000 new connections have already been provided, and another 20,000 are pending. He stated that housing complexes must obtain connections mandatorily.
Handover borewells to BWSSB
Meanwhile, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath directed officials to hand over borewells in 110 villages to the BWSSB. The BBMP currently manages these borewells. Mr. Giri Nath said that as Cauvery Stage V is implemented, the BBMP will hand over the borewells to the BWSSB.
Tender for tunnel in February
Regarding the ₹17,780 crore tunnel road project, Mr. Shivakumar said, “Tenders will be floated by the end of February, and the project will be completed within three-and-a-half years. Funds will come from BBMP, State grants, and banks, with Power Finance Corporation and Housing and Urban Development Corporation showing interest. The tender will be called for this component too. The tender will be awarded to the bidder offering the lowest interest rates.”
Published - January 28, 2025 11:27 pm IST
