BENGALURU: The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to increase water tariff for city users. The hike is likely to be announced in the new year, and a final decision will be taken at the next meeting, to be headed by Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar.
BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasat Manohar has written to all 27 MLAs of the city, appealing to them to support the rate revision, highlighting severe financial stress the board is facing from the past few years. The water rate was last revised in November 2014.
The letter mentions a significant increase in expenditure incurred by the water board for other essential services and amenities, including electricity, in the past decade. Expenditure has increased by 107.3 per cent and maintenance cost is up by 122.5 per cent, while salaries and pensions have increased by 61.3 per cent, the letter said.
Besides, the board’s monthly expenditure is Rs 170 crore and revenue from water bills is only Rs 129 crore, leaving a deficit of Rs 41 crore. This deficit will be temporarily met by using funds earmarked for water supply to new areas, development of drainage infrastructure and new water connections, the letter stated, adding that if the water tariff is not revised, the board will face a loss of Rs 4,860 crore in the next five years.
Over the past few months, the DCM has been hinting at an increase in water tariff, and that it is inevitable for the board to survive.
PROVIDE INFO ON CAUVERY CONNECTION IN 110 VILLAGES: BWSSB CHIEF
Bengaluru: BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasat Manohar has instructed officials to go door-to-door in 110 villages and provide information about Cauvery drinking water connection. As directed by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Manohar on Wednesday visited the Cauvery Sampark Abhiyan locations organized by the Board in Challagere and Channasandra areas in East Zone and inspected the process.
“BWSSB is ready to provide adequate water to 110 villages. Additional water is already being supplied to the city. It is necessary for people to get a connection to avail of the benefit.
People should get drinking water connection so that problems like lack of tubewells during the summer do not recur. People can submit applications online or by visiting places where the campaign is being held,” he said.
In the coming days, the board has decided to provide information, including details of the Cauvery Drinking Water Connection campaign poster, application and deposit fee at the doorstep,” stressed Manohar.