BWSSB Set To Roll Out One-Time Settlement Scheme For Pending Water Bills in May

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is gearing up to launch a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme in May, aimed at recovering over ₹701 crore arrears in pending water bill dues across Bengaluru. The scheme, which waives penalties and interest on overdue bills, is awaiting final approval from the Karnataka government.

Once cleared, it will allow residential, institutional, and commercial consumers to pay only the principal amount of their outstanding bills. The move is expected to benefit lakhs of users, including several government departments and industries that account for a major chunk of the arrears.

Taking to X (Formerly Twitter), BWSSB wrote,'''One-Time Settlement' Scheme to Waive Penalties, Interest on Pending Water Bills

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is preparing to launch a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme from May. The scheme will allow customers with pending water bills to clear their dues without paying any interest or penalties.''

Who Owes How Much in Fees? (in Crores)

BWSSB data reveals that:

BWSSB's financial woes are compounded by high operational costs, including a monthly electricity bill of Rs 59 crore, which is projected to increase significantly with the completion of the Cauvery Stage V project. The total operational expenses are expected to surpass Rs 210 crore monthly, putting additional strain on the board's finances.

The lack of government grants over the past three years, coupled with the responsibility of managing extra water supply sources during peak summer months, has added to BWSSB's burdens.

No Interest, No Penalty

The proposed scheme will cover all parts of Bengaluru, including newly added areas and borewell-dependent zones. Consumers opting in will not be charged interest or penalties - a move BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar described as "citizen-friendly" and vital for improving collections.