Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) on Friday issued an order which prohibits from using drinking water for activities such as washing vehicles, gardening, construction and entertainment purposes like water fountains.
A fine of Rs 5,000 for violation of the order has also been imposed. “Anyone found violating the above order will be fined Rs 5,000. For subsequent violations, Rs.500 will be added to the fine on a per-day basis to the principal fine of Rs 5,000,” reads the order.
BWSSB has also launched a dedicated call centre for queries related to water issues and urged citizens to call 1916 if they witness any violations.
Recreational places such as malls and cinema halls have also been instructed to use water only for drinking, cleaning of roads, and other cleaning works. The order comes against the backdrop of acute water scarcity in Bengaluru city and rural districts.
The prohibitory orders were issued under sections 33 and 34 of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1964.
“As per the BWSSB Act 1964, Articles 33 and 34, we have decided to ban the usage of drinking water for non-essential purposes,” the BWSSB order reads.
On Thursday, the Karnataka government issued an order capping private water tanker prices due to exorbitant pricing amidst the water crisis. Previously, a 6,000-liter water tanker was charged between Rs.450 to Rs.600. However, with the onset of the water crisis, prices soared to Rs.2,000 to Rs.3,000 per 6,000-liter tanker across the city. To address this issue, the government has intervened and fixed the prices.
BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar said: “…. The problem of scarcity of water is in the rest of the city where the Kaveri water supply has not yet commenced. The actual demand in Bengaluru city is 1,450 MLD per day, and we are currently supplying 1,470 MLD to meet the demand.”
When asked about the feasibility of identifying violations across the city, Manohar said, “We have directed meter readers to patrol their areas daily to observe any violations. We also request that citizens help us conserve water by reporting any misuse. Citizens can inform us, and we will take swift action.”
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