Representative image showing water tap.
Credit: iStock Photo
Bengaluru: In a major relief for thousands of water bill defaulters in the city, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced a ‘One-Time Settlement’ (OTS) scheme, offering a 100% waiver on interest and penalties for those who clear their outstanding principal amount.
The State Government’s Urban Development Department has officially green-lit the initiative, which is expected to provide a three-month window from January to March 2026 for consumers to regularise their accounts.
BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar stated on Sunday that the scheme is designed to be completely transparent and “middleman-free.” He noted that the board is adopting the ‘Hyderabad Model,’ where a similar initiative saw massive success in recovering long-pending dues.
“Once the customer pays the principal amount in a single installment, the software at the back-end will automatically waive the interest. It is a golden opportunity for citizens to become debt-free,” Manohar said.
To ensure ease of access, the board is developing a dedicated mobile app for registrations, alongside its official website. While residential consumers can apply online, special BWSSB teams will personally visit government buildings and commercial complexes to facilitate the process.
The official launch date and specific payment window will be announced following final consultations with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.