BWSSB writes to 28 lawmakers explaining need for water tariff hike

BENGALURU: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) chairman, Dr Ram Prasat Manohar, has written to MLAs and elected representatives seeking their support while stating that the water tariff needs to be revised as it hasn’t been done in the last 10 years.

A meeting will be held, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, to discuss the tariff revision, in the coming days.

The letter highlights the present economic condition of BWSSB and the need for a water tariff revision. The board spends Rs 170 crore monthly, but only earns Rs 129 crore. The BWSSB chairman has requested support for the tariff hike and pointed out that if it is not done, the board will face financial difficulties and affect daily operations.

The letter also points out that the BWSSB hasn’t revised the water tariff in the last 10 years. The board spends Rs 170 crore every monthly, but earns onlyRs 129 crore. If water tariff is not increased, it may will lead to financial difficulties and affect the board’s functioning, the letter noted.

The BWSSB chairman also pointed out that the cost of electricity has increased by 107 per cent, maintenance costs by 122 per cent and staff salaries and pensions by 61 per cent over the last 10 years. He also invited the lawmakers for the meeting and sought suggestions on the tariff revision.