BWSSB prioritises free water supply to densely populated areas amidst increasing water shortages

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In an effort to address the pressing water supply issues in the city, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board(BWSSB), under the leadership of Chairman Dr V. Ram Prasad Manohar, is prioritising the provision of free water to densely populated areas and slums inhabited by economically disadvantaged residents.

Every day, 1 lakh litres of Cauvery water is supplied free of cost to these specific areas to ensure that the residents have access to safe drinking water.

Dr. Manohar recently conducted inspections of water supply systems in Nayandahalli's Ambadekar slum, Pantarapalya, Gandhinagar, and Bangarapet Nagar slums.

During his visit to the Ambedkar slum, he observed that the borewell water levels had dropped significantly due to excessive usage.

To counter this, the Water Board has installed 22 syntax tanks across the area, which are refilled twice daily, supplying approximately 1 lakh litres of water to the residents.

Given that many households in this area lack personal water storage tanks, BWSSB’s initiative of supplying free water is crucial to prevent any shortages.

Over the past 100 days, Dr. Manohar has been involved in visiting various areas across the city to address the water crisis. Collaborative efforts involving local officials, community members, and the public have been undertaken to mitigate water scarcity issues.

During his visit to Gandhinagar in Kengeri and Bangarapet Nagar slums in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Dr Manohar instructed officials to ensure adequate water supply, even suggesting the deployment of additional tanks if necessary.

These inspections were conducted in the presence of senior Water Board officials and community representatives, emphasising the collaborative approach adopted by the authorities to tackle the water supply challenges in Bengaluru.

In addition to addressing water supply issues, the BWSSB has been working to resolve violations related to water wastage. During the recent inspection, East2 and North2 divisions each reported two cases of violations, resulting in fines of Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively.

SouthEast1 division recorded the highest number of violations, with 12 cases, and accumulated fines of Rs. 60,000. SouthWest2 division reported three cases, leading to fines totalling Rs. 15,000.

East1, NorthEast, and SouthEast2 divisions each registered one violation, collecting fines of Rs. 5,000 per case.

In contrast, several divisions, Central, North1, NorthWest1, NorthWest2, South1, South2, SouthWest1, West1, and West2, reported no violations.