- By Imran Zafar
- Sat, 07 Dec 2024 09:38 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Karnataka government is set to revise Bengaluru's water tariffs for the first time in 13 years, as the city grapples with a severe water crisis. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has proposed this hike to address rising operational costs and financial shortfalls, ensuring sustainable water supply operations.
The BWSSB currently faces a monthly deficit of Rs 81 crore, with expenditures reaching Rs 210 crore against a revenue of Rs 129 crore. This shortfall has been exacerbated by the operational costs of the Cauvery Stage V project, which aims to supply water to 110 additional villages.
BWSSB Chairman Ram Prashath Manohar, in a letter dated December 2, highlighted that operational costs have surged, including a 107.3 per cent increase in electricity expenses and a 122.5 per cent rise in overall maintenance costs since 2014. The annual revenue shortfall stands at Rs 972 crore and is projected to escalate to Rs 4,860 crore over five years.
The proposed revisions would raise domestic tariffs from the current Rs 7-Rs 45 per kilolitre to cover the increasing costs. For non-domestic consumers, the minimum slab is expected to rise from Rs 36 to Rs 50 per kilolitre, while the maximum slab could increase from Rs 60 to Rs 87 per kilolitre.
The BWSSB has sought feedback from Bengaluru’s MLAs and MPs to shape the final proposal. The government is also exploring long-term measures, including the Cauvery Stage VI project, to improve water availability and infrastructure.
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Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar justified the hike, citing BWSSB's financial woes and Bengaluru's daily shortage of 500 million litres of water. He stated, "The water tariff hike is inevitable and necessary for survival." Shivakumar also called out illegal water extractions, urging citizens to regularize connections and pay dues.