To tide over the problem, the board has decided to procure mammoth diesel generators for two key service stations.
The Srikantha Kaval pumping station on Magadi Road and Hegganahalli pumping station will have a generator installed in the future. “Each generator will have a capacity of 750 KVA and cost Rs 25 lakh,” say sources. A detailed project report has been sent incorporating this request along with other requirements to the Urban Development Department, a top official said.
Water pumped from Srikantha Kaval station will reach Rajajinagar, Prakashnagar, Nandini Layout, Mahalaxmi Layout and surrounding areas, while that from Hegganahalli will reach Yelahanka, GKVK, parts of Yeshwantpur and neighbouring areas. Of the 76 service stations under the BWSSB, these two have been selected as they help in pumping water between different divisions when needed.
Three pumping stations at High Grounds, CJF and Hosahalli have such generators. However, only 50 per cent of their capacity is being utilised. “It takes half an hour to start such a generator as the switchover system is quite elaborate due to the high capacity of power involved in the operation. Presently, we don’t use it in case of shutdown for a couple of hours,” an engineer said.
BWSSB has received complaints related to water problem from Venkateshpuram in Bangalore East and Okalipuram due to power breakdowns, he added.  “The public lodge their complaints at the BWSSB office without realising power supply disruption is the reason,” laments another official.

WATER WOES

Areas in Bangalore East, particularly Pillana Garden, Domlur and surrounding areas bore the brunt of water problem which affected the City on Monday. This was due to the stoppage of pumping work at Tataguni substation due to power failure on Sunday evening. “Water supply will be restored to normal from Tuesday,” said BWSSB Chief Engineer (Maintenance) Venkataraju.