While garbage woes continue to haunt the city, water issues seem to be the next in line. Along with many parts of the city, Ramamurthynagar, the newly added ward to the BBMP limits, has been struggling for water drops.
Residents claim that though BWSSB (Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board) passed the proposal to supply Cauvery water to the residents of this area in 2004, until now there has been no water supply.
Adding to their woes, BWSSB set deadlines for residents to pay beneficiary contributions in the year 2005 under Cauvery Water Supply Scheme Stage IV Phase II.
According to the regulations of BWSSB, residents who failed to pay the beneficiary contribution within the time frame, will have to pay a penalty of Rs 3,000. The residents of Ramamurthynagar complain that it is not justified to collect penalty from them when there is no water supply from BWSSB.
Also, in BHL layout of Ramamurthynagar ward, over four borewells were dug to eliminate water woes. But today, two borewells are not functioning. When City Express interacted with the president of Ramamurthynagar Welfare Association, A V Shyamarao, he said, “Water woes in Ramamurthynagar are not uncommon. We struggle on a daily basis to get a tank of water. In the recent years, BWSSB promised the completion of Stage IV Phase II project to eradicate our water woes. Until now the project is not completed but residents are paying the penalty.” Many residents also complain that the borewells here dry up during summer.
K Lakshmana Rao, a resident said, “We face this issue especially in summers as the borewells go dry. Then, we are left with no other option except to get the private water supply. We pay over Rs 400-Rs 500 per tank. Our problems don’t end here, we also have to pay for the drinking water which is supplied in cans.”
He added, “Over a month ago, I paid the Beneficiary Capital Contribution along with the penalty. The authorities promised the Cauvery water supply within seven days. But now they claim that they will provide water supply by October."
When asked about the BWSSB about the Cauvery water supply to this ward, an official said, “The penalty will be collected from those residents who have not paid the Beneficiary Capital Contribution within the deadlines provided. The residents have to pay 10 per cent of the actual cost. Also, in order to help the citizens the penalty can be paid in 24 instalments.”
Speaking about the water issues, she added, “The pipes have been laid and the water will be supplied within a month.”