Residents fume over Cauvery water delay

Residents awaiting Cauvery water at their respective houses in Bommanahalli zone are angry over the BWSSB’s delay in finishing the pipeline work.

Under the Cauvery water supply scheme 5, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) started laying pipelines at various layouts in Bommanahalli zone in South-East Bengaluru two years ago.

Now, the unending work has exasperated the residents as the dugout roads to lay pipelines are causing disruption of traffic and kicking up dust. BWSSB officials, meanwhile, cited lack of funds and irregular labourers for the delay.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara laid the foundation for the supply of Cauvery water from BWSSB at Uttarahalli, Vasanthpur, Yalchenhenahalli, Thippasandra, Gudigere and Begur wards in Bommanahalli on Wednesday.

He was rather taken aback by the fact that though the construction of ground level storage tank in Uttarahalli side has been completed, the inauguration is yet to happen.

“If the drinking water project is shut down, the masses will be affected. Interest on the loan will also increase as there is no implementation for two years. All of this burdens the government,” said Parameshwara.

“Water supply will be provided to 17 villages in Uttarahalli,” he added. 15,000 connections were given for this purpose, he said.

However, the residents of Bommanahalli expressed their dissatisfaction about the project.

“Cauvery water supply is needed at all wards of Bommanahalli. There is a huge dependence on water tankers at the moment. All the borewells have been depleted. Most of the houses and apartments are not eligible for the supply of water under the project. The government should do something for them as well,” said K Prakash, president, Beautiful Begur Federation.

“Around 10,000 people are dependent on Cauvery water in Bommanahalli. What we receive from water tankers is impure. My children are falling sick after drinking the water from the tankers, despite having water filters at home. We need Cauvery water soon,” said Satyendra Khare, a resident of Begur.