Water Supply To Be Hit In Bengaluru As Tanker Owners Threaten To Go On Strike

The water crisis in Bengaluru is set to exacerbate further as water tanker operators prepare to go on strike.

In response to the escalating water crisis and the consequent surge in water tanker prices, the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) under the Karnataka Transport Department have seized 163 private water tankers in the last one week. This action is aimed at assisting the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in augmenting water supply to households.

Why Tanker Owners Are Upset?

The Karnataka government has asked the tankers to register with the authorities before March 7.

However, the government's action has not gone well with the tanker owners. Over 50 owners of impounded water tankers have started their protest at Jambusavarai Dinne in JP Nagar and warned the government that if they continue to be harassed, the water crisis will deteriorate even further.

Meanwhile, several tanker owners have said that they are going off-road from today as a mark of protest. "We will not be able to deliver water from today. We have informed all our customers," a tanker owner said on the condition of anonymity told Oneindia.

Another tanker owner said, "The government should be blamed for this issue. We also request the public to cooperate with us until the situation returns to normalcy,"

Ramesh R, president of Sree Pranthi Garden apartment in South Bengaluru, said that the water supplier had notified them last night about ceasing water supply from today onwards.

"Last night, he told us that he will not supply water from today. He urged us to fill in our sump and overhead tank as he going on a strike fearing harassment from the authorities. Without a choice, the residents were forced to stock up on water as there is uncertainty over getting water in the next few days," he added.

No Water In Many Areas From Thursday

In short, there would not be water for many apartments that rely on tankers for their daily needs if the tanker owners do not call off their protest.

Bengaluru, home to over 1.3 crore people, is currently grappling with a severe water crisis. The metropolitan area's residents are experiencing acute water scarcity, attributed to haphazard construction activities and neglect of natural water sources.

The inadequate rainfall during the monsoon season has resulted in drought conditions in the catchment area of the Cauvery River basin and a significant depletion of groundwater levels.

The March 7 Meeting

The March 7 meeting carries significant importance, with the outcome of the meeting between DK Shivakumar and the tanker association poised to have a decisive impact on the situation.

Responding to the crisis, Deputy CM Shivakumar said, "Of the 3,500 water tankers in Bengaluru, only 219 tankers, around 10 per cent, are registered with the BBMP and about 210 are being used by the BWSSB to supply water. Once the private tankers are registered, the government will fix the rate based on kilometers (distance from the source).

The law states that water belongs to the government and is not a personal asset. I will hold a meeting with the tanker owners' association after March 7 to fix the rate and we will assign tankers to every ward, set up war rooms in every ward and a helpline to streamline supply,"

6,997 Borewells Dried Up In Bengaluru

Shivakumar, who is the Bengaluru development minister, revealed that out of the city's 16,781 borewells, only 7,784 are currently operational, with 6,997 having dried up. To address this issue, the BBMP and BWSSB are planning to explore new water sources, re-drill old and defunct borewells, and tap into groundwater from areas on the outskirts of the city with sufficient groundwater levels.

A total budget of Rs 556 crores has been allocated for drinking water supply, including Rs 10 crore for each city MLA, a grant of Rs 148 crore from BBMP, and Rs 148 crore from BWSSB funds.

Water Requirement And Affected Areas

Currently, Bengaluru requires 1,450 mld (million litres per day) of water supply, with the city witnessing a 50 percent deficit, particularly in groundwater resources.

Among the hardest-hit areas in terms of water supply are those within the Mahadevapura zone, including Kadugodi, Byrathi, Hoodi, Whitefield, Varthur, Marathahalli, Bellandur, and AECS Layout. Additionally, regions such as Doddabidarakallu and Lingadheeranahalli under the RR Nagara zone, Konanakunte and Vasanthapura under the Bommanahalli zone, as well as Thanisandra and Amruthhalli under the Yelahanka zone, and Chikkasandra and Mallasandra under the Dasarahalli zone are also experiencing disruptions in water supply.