The state government of Bengaluru is looking into alternate options, such as using recycled and purified water from residents’ associations, in order to address the city’s extraordinary water crisis. The city’s daily water requirement, which runs from 2,600 to 2,800 MLD, is short by more than 1,500 MLD (million litris per day), leaving helplines overloaded.
The situation has taken a political turn as opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmakers are accusing the administration of failing to put appropriate water management systems in place. The Karnataka administration is facing a strict ultimatum from the BJP leaders, who are threatening protests if they do not move decisively within a week.
The state government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has responded by announcing the establishment of control rooms and dedicated helpline numbers. Task forces, headed by local MLAs, have been formed to address the drought situation in the state, particularly in the 223 Taluks out of 236 that have been declared drought-hit, with 219 facing severe consequences.
During a press briefing, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the public that the government would spare no effort in tackling the water crisis.
Tanker prices have been rising progressively, from ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 1,500, and most recently to ₹ 2,000.
The government predicts that 1,193 wards, including those in Bengaluru Urban district, and 7,082 villages throughout Karnataka could experience a drinking water crisis in the coming months due to the expectation of a particularly severe summer this year.
Tumakuru district tops the list with 746 vulnerable villages, while Uttara Kannada has the most vulnerable wards, according to a revenue department data. The Bengaluru Urban district is not immune to the coming water deficit; 120 wards and 174 villages have been designated as at risk.
The government is exploring various options to mitigate the crisis, including regulating water tankers and considering the use of treated water from apartment complexes for non-portable purposes. In Bengaluru, where water is supplied through 120 municipal tankers and 232 water board tankers, the situation remains critical.
The illegal water tanker operations were addressed by the Bengaluru city authority. In response to the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (BWSSB) request for uniform water rates, and considering the growing need and rising costs for tanker services, Bangalore City’s District Collector set rates for 200 privately run tankers for a four-month period.
Currently, 200 private tankers are engaged on a contractual basis to deliver water to Bangalore city. The rates, determined by Bengaluru City District Collector KA Dayananda, are outlined as follows:
Rates for tankers within a 5 km radius:
Rs 600 for a 6,000-litre water tanker within 5 km.
Rs 700 for an 8,000-litre water tanker.
Rs 1000 for a 12,000-litre water tanker.
For distances beyond 5 km but within 10 km
₹ 750 for a 6,000-liter water tanker.
Rs 850 for an 8,000-litre water tanker.
Rs 1200 for a 12,000-litre water tanker.
These rates are inclusive of GST.
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