55,000 people get BWSSB notices for illegal connections; BMTF files cases against 250

BENGALURU: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is faced with a challenging task of preventing illegal water connections (Cauvery water) and wastage of water. After conducting a survey, it has now traced 56,000 illegal water connections in the city.

Board chairman Jayaram said, “After the survey, we found about 56,000 illegal water and sanitary connections. Notice was served to them and they were given time to regularise the connections. About 50,000 people have regularised their connection by paying Rs 3000. A fine was also imposed on them”.

BWSSB chairman Jayaram said 56,000 illegal connections were found in the city after a survery.

“Commercial property owners too have got illegal connections and criminal cases have been booked on defaulters. More than 250 cases are lodged with the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) and they are under investigation. The BWSSB too is making efforts to recover dues”, Jayaram added.

“The board spends Rs 130 crore every month towards maintenance, electricity bills, staff salaries and other works. We have to generate revenue to meet the expenses, so we are recovering dues from defaulters”, he added.

Jayaram further added, “Now, we have identified the non-revenue generating connections and stopped the water supply. The BWSSB is also supplying water to the 110 villages added to BBMP limits. We have set targets for our officials to recover dues and we are more focused on that”, he added.