Industrialists argued that the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) should focus on improving service quality before revising tariffs.
Credits: DH Photo
Bengaluru: The news of the water tariff revision came as a shock to many households, industries, and commercial establishments, especially after a series of recent hikes.
Industrialists argued that the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) should focus on improving service quality before revising tariffs.
“Even now, we do not have a consistent water supply for many industries in the Peenya industrial area. Sometimes, water is supplied just once a week — or not at all for two or three weeks. Before revising tariffs, they should fix these issues,” said Shiva Kumar R, President of the Peenya Industries Association.
MG Balakrishna, President of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said that price hikes across essential services were straining residents.
“The government must consider the common man’s perspective. With prices of all commodities rising, how can the average person afford to live in Bengaluru?” said
Balakrishna.
Most people DH spoke to echoed similar concerns, stating that back-to-back price hikes have made it difficult to plan household budgets.
‘If water is too cheap, people fail to understand its value’
While many households opposed the revision, experts said the hike could strengthen the system.
Speaking to DH, S Vishwanath, rainwater harvesting pioneer and water conservationist, said that efficient water use comes when it is appropriately priced.
“If water is too cheap, people fail to understand its value,” he noted.
He said increasing the BWSSB’s revenue was crucial to treat wastewater to expected standards before releasing it into lakes or reusing it.
“It is our responsibility to return clean water to nature. It costs nearly Rs 40 to treat one kilo litre of wastewater. To sustain this, tariff revisions are necessary,” he added.