
Taps at police quarters run dry: 44 families have to rely on tanker water
Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT
There is plenty of water in Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir, the main source of drinking water for Namma Bengaluru. Cauvery water is being supplied to many areas in the city and the residents are yet to face drinking water shortage.
However, 44 police families are facing acute shortage of water at the residential quarters adjacent to Byappanahalli Police Station on Old Madras Road. These residential quarters as well as Byappanahalli Police Station have Cauvery water connections but the residents are suffering a lot due to shortage of potable water.
“We have complained to the Police Inspector of Byappanahalli Police Station, but nothing has been done to improve supply of Cauvery water. We are finding it difficult to wash clothes due to water shortage,” said a homemaker pleading anonymity.
The residents complain that the quarters have a borewell, but it has been defunct for more than a year. With no sufficient water, the residents have to depend on the local police Inspector to get water from private water suppliers.
“There was no shortage of water as long as the borewell was functioning. Our problems began as soon as it became defunct. We have informed the higher authorities, including the police inspector, about the defunct borewell, but nothing has been done till date,” said a homemaker on condition of anonymity.
The situation at Byappanahalli Police Station is no different. When this correspondent visited the police station on Saturday, the water sump was empty.
“We have to share Cauvery water with the adjacent quarters. Our Inspector sir arranges private water tankers whenever there is a shortage,” said a police constable.
When contacted, Police Inspector Venkatachalapathy shouted at this correspondent and wanted to know how he got to know about the shortage. “What is your problem? Who complained about water shortage? Didn’t the residents at the police quarters tell you about me arranging supply of water through private water suppliers?” shouted Venkatachalapathy.
When this correspondent introduced himself, the Police Inspector was audacious enough to ask for a copy of New Trail to be brought to the station!