BWSSB collects Rs 40 lakh in fines from those wasting drinking water

BENGALURU: After the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) already launched a campaign against litterbugs with its ‘Operation garbage’ initiative in Bengaluru, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is keeping a close watch on water wastage and has collected hefty fines. The amount of these fines may increase further.

The GBA taught litterbugs of Bengaluru a lesson by dumping trash in front of their houses. After that, the BWSSB has now stepped forward to teach a lesson to those who waste potable water.

For a few months now, the Water Board has been imposing a fine of Rs 5,000 on those who use drinking water for other purposes and on those who waste it. So far, about  Rs 40 lakh hasbeen collected as fines in Bengaluru.

Fines have been imposed especially on borewell owners, those who wash vehicles with potable water, those who spill water on the road, and those who use drinking water for plants.

But water wastage is not stopping. Therefore, it has been decided to intensify further operations. From now on, whenever information about water wastage is received, surprise visits will be conducted once a week.

Ram Prasath Manohar, chairman of the BWSSB said, “The water board has decided to save and protect Cauvery water. Therefore, we have planned to take legal action against it. If anyone uses Cauvery water for less useful activities, they will be fined Rs 5,000”.