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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday hinted at a potential increase in monthly water charges in Bengaluru. He emphasised the financial challenges faced by the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), which has been unable to undertake new projects due to significant losses.

 

Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru development, highlighted the BWSSB’s financial struggles, noting that the water tariff in Bengaluru has not been raised for the past ten years. He stressed the necessity of a tariff hike to alleviate the board's losses and facilitate new projects. “BWSSB is suffering a great loss. We have to take up new projects. No bank is coming forward to finance the BWSSB,” he told reporters.

 

The Deputy CM mentioned that 70 percent of the BWSSB’s expenses are attributed to power bills and labour costs, leading to substantial annual losses. “There is no option. I am working out the possibilities; we are discussing how to set the company right,” he said. This statement comes shortly after the state government raised sales tax on fuel, making petrol and diesel costlier by Rs 3 and Rs 3.5 per litre, respectively.

 

Shivakumar also noted that international development agencies, such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the World Bank, have pointed out that the water tariff hike issue is being politicised, hindering the BWSSB’s efforts to achieve financial stability.

 

He stated, “We want to expand things. We have given six tmc (thousand million cubic feet) more water from Cauvery for Bengaluru. We will have to take up one more phase to draw that water.”

 

The Deputy CM expressed the need for BWSSB to operate as an independent financial entity. “We want to show that it is an independent company financially and it works independently. I have asked officials to examine the possibilities (of a hike). Ultimately, we will put all facts before the public domain and then we will take a call,” he added.

 

The BWSSB, facing mounting financial pressure, has been struggling to secure funding for its projects, including the completion of the fifth phase of the Cauvery water supply project. The proposed tariff hike aims to address these challenges and ensure the sustainability and expansion of water supply services in Bengaluru.

 

The Deputy CM’s remarks indicate a strong likelihood of an impending increase in water charges, reflecting the government’s intent to balance financial stability with the need for infrastructure development. The public will be informed of the final decision once all considerations are taken into account.