BWSSB now takes water mafia into task
- BWSSB has initiated steps to confiscate private water tankers and monitor their operations.
- Besides, it has called tenders to dig 100 borewells in zones falling under Greater Bengaluru
FollowWith the plunging water level at Krishnarajasagara reservoir signalling a dire situation, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has initiated steps to confiscate private water tankers and monitor their operations.
The confiscation of tankers will be a first in the BWSSB's 53-year history to slake the city's thirst. BWSSB engineer-in-chief Kemparamaiah said confiscation is a precautionary measure invoked in emergencies.
Private water tankers and borewells, however, have been confiscated elsewhere in Karnataka, especially in north, during drought.
BWSSB engineer-in-chief Kemparamaiah told “All taluks in Bengaluru Urban district have been declared hit by drought. The depleting water level at KRS is a matter of concern. There won't be a problem for Bengaluru till April, but we must prepare for months ahead till monsoon arrives. We've written to the Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner to prepare the ground to confiscate private tankers and hand them over to the water board”
Most outlying areas in Bengaluru don't have piped water supply and are dependent on private tankers and groundwater. BWSSB supplies water to 9.35 lakh houses and other establishments.
But how effectively does the BWSSB implements this rule and how efficiently does supplies water is the big question now. Many areas in the greater Bengaluru region are dependent on private tankers as there's no supply of Cauvery water.
To accomplish its aim to provide water to all areas of Bengaluru, now BWSSB has called tenders to dig 100 borewells in zones falling under Greater Bengaluru -Mahadevapura, Bommanahalli, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Dasarahalli and Yelahanka. It has started a campaign asking citizens to use water judiciously.
(Source: Government of Karnataka Updates)
