Bengaluru's Water Shortage: Rs 5,000 Penalty for Misuse of Drinking Water
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Synopsis
Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) enforces a Rs 5,000 fine for using drinking water for non-essential purposes to address the city's growing water crisis caused by rising temperatures and declining groundwater levels.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 5,000 penalty for misuse of drinking water.
- Public encouraged to report violations via 1916.
- Restrictions on activities like vehicle washing and gardening.
- Repeat offenders face escalating fines.
- Call for conservation amidst rising population and temperatures.
Bengaluru, Feb 17 (NationPress) The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced a penalty of Rs 5,000 for residents misusing drinking water in various non-essential ways.
The BWSSB President has formalized this directive, encouraging citizens to report any misuse by calling the helpline number 1916.
The mandate highlights that Bengaluru, with a population exceeding 1.40 crore (including temporary residents), must ensure adequate drinking water access for everyone. The city's rising temperatures and declining groundwater levels due to insufficient rainfall necessitate strict regulations.
The use of drinking water is now restricted for activities such as vehicle washing, gardening, building construction, decorative fountains, and other leisure activities, as well as for non-drinking purposes in malls and cinemas, and for street cleaning and construction.
Violators will face a Rs 5,000 fine under Section 109 of the BWSSB Act of 1964. If violations occur repeatedly, an additional Rs 500 will be added to the daily fine.
This order is expected to spark public discourse. A similar directive was issued by BWSSB on March 8 of the previous year. The prohibitions stem from columns 33 and 34 of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Act - 1964. Citizens are urged to conserve water and use it judiciously.
Previously, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar instructed officials to prepare a report regarding the anticipated increase in drinking water rates in Bengaluru, with BWSSB poised to implement a long-awaited water tariff hike shortly.
