Bengaluru Water Bills Could Soon Go Up As DK Shivakumar Drops Hint

D K Shivakumar, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, has announced that an increase in water tariffs within Bengaluru is forthcoming due to the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) incurring losses of Rs 1,000 crore annually. This decision comes after a prolonged period since 2014 without any adjustments to water pricing, which has significantly impacted the financial stability of the BWSSB. Amid growing operational costs, notably the electricity bill surging from Rs 35 crore to Rs 75 crore, the necessity for revising water tariffs has become more apparent. Shivakumar, who also manages the Bengaluru development portfolio, highlighted these financial challenges after discussions with city officials and MLAs, emphasizing the board's difficulty in securing loans due to its fiscal deficit.

In an effort to address the ongoing financial strain faced by the BWSSB, Shivakumar revealed his directives to officials to compile a report on proposed tariff adjustments. This initiative aims to mitigate the board's substantial annual losses and improve its financial health. The measures include not only the adjustment of water tariffs but also efforts to accurately measure water consumption across the city, which Shivakumar believes is essential for ensuring the sustainability of water supply. He has made it clear that all residents, including the economically disadvantaged, should contribute minimally, suggesting a nominal fee of one paise per litre as a means to facilitate precise water usage assessments.

The Deputy Chief Minister also criticized the BJP for discontinuing a previous Congress-led initiative that allocated Rs 20 crore towards providing water to slum areas and the urban poor. He assured the public of his government's commitment to reinstating this program while insisting on the importance of measured water usage and the regularization of illegal connections to prevent misuse. Shivakumar's plan to collect accurate data on water consumption is part of a broader strategy to address the misuse of resources and ensure equitable water distribution across Bengaluru.