Karnataka govt bans use of drinking water for washing cars, gardening, imposes Rs 5,000 fine

BENGALURU: Amidst a severe water crisis, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has banned the use of drinking water for washing cars, gardening, construction, water fountains and road construction and maintenance. It will also levy a fine of Rs 5,000 if the order is violated.

The Bengaluru city and district administration issued an order on Thursday, fixing the price of tanker water after persistent allegations that tanker owners are extorting customers.

Bengaluru Urban District Deputy Commissioner K A Dayanand, issued the circular after the BWSSB filed a petition on behalf of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The district administration said that this rate has been fixed based on the recommendations of a technical committee.

The order issues by the BWSSB barring use of drinking water for non-essential purposes.

As per the Bengaluru district administration, for up to 5 km, a 6,000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 600, an 8,000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 700, and a 12,000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 1000. If the distance is between 5 and 10 km, a 6,000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 750, an 8,000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 850, and a 12,000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 1,200.

The Bengaluru Urban DC had declared all taluks in the district as drought-prone and private tankers supplying water will come under GST, and GST will be added to these rates, the order said.

As the city is crippled by a severe water crisis, the Karnataka government earlier this week held a key meeting to address the issue.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said in the Legislative Assembly that the government will prioritise irrigation and water management projects over other works. “The priority is the development of irrigation projects and filling up tanks. Other works such as roads, will be taken up subsequently. We have already discussed this with the Chief Minister”, Shivakumar said.

The Deputy CM had also warned the water tanker owners in the state that the government would seize their tankers if they did not register with the authorities before the deadline of March 7. “Of the total 3,500 water tankers in Bengaluru city, only 10 per cent , that is 219 tankers, have registered with the authorities. The government will seize them if they don’t register before the deadline”, he had said.

“Water is not the property of any individual, but is a resource that belongs to the government. The government has the right to take control of water sources. The BWSSB officials have been instructed to be prepared to supply water from areas where groundwater is abundant. The BWSSB is using 210 tankers to supply water already. The election code of conduct will not come in the way of supplying water”, he added. (ANI)