Mixing of sewage and drinking water supply and irregular water supply forced numerous residents of Kuppuswamy Layout near Nagawara main road vented their ire against the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) here on Saturday.
The protesters – along with the citizen’s organisation Save Bangalore Committee – gathered in front of Cauvery Bhavan here, demanding immediate action by the BWSSB.
“The area is provided with water only twice a week, and that too only for 30 minutes. Even in this, the first 10 minutes is only muddy water. And, on most days, we get water that is contaminated with sewage,” said Syed Sardar, a resident.
Around two years ago, water supply was handed over to BWSSB from the CMC (City Municipal Corporation) supply. Though bigger water pipes were laid to replace narrow ones, the issue has persisted, said the residents.
“The water bill shows an amount of Rs. 700 though the water is unfit for use... We are forced to buy water outside,” said Shoba, from Save Bangalore Committee.
BWSSB officials believed the contamination must have been due to damages to an old pipeline during works in the area. The organisation was in the process of checking the pipelines for leakage.
Chandramouleshwar, assistant executive engineer of the area, said: “The problem will be solved within a week’s time.”
Temporary fix
To stop sewage from mixing with potable water, residents of Kuppaswamy Layout in Bengaluru have resorted to blocking the sewage line with a piece of wood. However, the water contamination remains apparent, say residents, who blame the BWSSB for the mess. Video credit: Save Bangalore committee
