A signal-free road to Bangalore International Airport in Devanahalli might be a long way off. But the preparation for Cauvery water supply to the airport has already been completed. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is geared up to supply 1 MLD (million litres per day) of Cauvery water to BIAL.

According to a senior BWSSB official, the Board did a trial supply on December 23, and the result was satisfactory. “ The board has set up pipelines at a cost of Rs 23 lakh for this purpose”, he added. Bangalore International Airport has to rely on Cauvery water supplied from BWSSB as the Mines and Geology Department had restricted sinking of fresh borewells in airport area.

The water charges for airport would be higher than that collected from industries in Bangalore City limits.  The special price would be 10 per cent more than the charges levied from industries. However a final agreement on prices is yet to be signed, he added.   is also demanding that the airport bear the cost of the pump set up exclusively to supply water to BIAL.  Its rationale: The water has to be pumped at five places before it could reach Devanahalli. Cauvery water is now brought to Bangalore City through pumps at TK Halli, Harohalli and Tataguni. To take water from the city to Devanahalli, two more pumping stations were set up at Jagganahalli and GKVK (UAS).

BWSSB and BIAL are expected to sign an agreement on the water supply within two weeks.