The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is considering a long-awaited increase in water tariffs for the city. Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar has directed officials to prepare a report on this proposed adjustment.
During a press conference following a meeting with officials from BBMP, BDA, BWSSB, and BMRDA at Cauvery Bhavan, Shivakumar stated, “I have instructed the officials to provide a report regarding the water tariff increase, and a decision will be made shortly. We are also taking measures to accurately assess water consumption. The last tariff adjustment occurred in 2014, which has led to BWSSB facing annual losses of ₹1,000 crore. The Board’s electricity expenses have risen significantly, jumping from ₹35 crore to ₹75 crore, resulting in monthly losses of approximately ₹85 crore.”
Shivakumar emphasized that the tariff increase is now essential. BWSSB officials have consulted with all the city’s MLAs, and the Board is struggling to secure funding, as banks are hesitant to lend due to increasing losses.
He mentioned that the government had allocated ₹20 crore to supply water to slum residents and those living in poverty, but that initiative has been suspended by the BJP. “We plan to revive that scheme. Water provided to low-income areas must also be accounted for, even if a nominal charge is applied, as there have been reported instances of misuse in various locations. We are devising a strategy to accurately track water consumption across the city, and we must regularize illegal connections,” he added.
In preparation for the approaching summer season, the Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that officials have been tasked with ensuring there are no water shortages in Bengaluru by accelerating the filling of tanks to recharge the city’s groundwater.
“We have granted 15,000 new connections under the Cauvery 5th stage and are yet to process another 20,000 connections. Many apartment complexes are failing to apply for a Cauvery water connection. Consequently, we have mandated that all such complexes secure a water connection,” he noted.
Shivakumar remarked that despite the government’s investment in public services, numerous individuals have opted for illegal connections to circumvent deposits and fees. To address this issue, officials are actively visiting residences and apartment complexes to encourage residents to obtain their Cauvery water connections.
