BANGALORE: Striking a cordial note with Tamil Nadu to take up the much-delayed Mekedatu project will help in solving drinking water crisis in the city, opined former Irrigation secretary Capt Raja Rao.
Delivering a lecture on “Bangalore City’s Water Problem and Solutions,” organised by Forum for Phenomenon, Capt Raja Rao said, “As per the Cauvery Waters Disputes Tribunal (CWDT), 8.7 TMC ft is reserved for drinking water for urban population and 8.52 TMC ft for rural population. Water should come under the concurrent list of political parties. There is less water than what is required for the state. Also, there is no scope to further draw water from any rivers in Cauvery basin for domestic and industrial purposes,” he explained.
Rao also suggested the state government should sink borewells. “Farmers should follow Madagascar method or Sree method of paddy cultivation to save water,” he added.
The irrigation expert stressed the need to utilise the existing tertiary treatment units to its fullest capacity and asked the BWSSB to set up dual pipeline to residential areas, industries in BBMP wards and CMCs. Rao also voted for BWSSB to split into two units, where one shall have the responsibility to supply water, while the can concentrate on sewage.
He insisted on fixation of realistic water rates and power rates to prevent the misuse of resources.