OMBR residents get sewage-mixed water

Around 500 families in Bhuvanigiri, OMBR Layout, have been getting sewage water in their drinking water line, forcing them to buy water for the past 20 days.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has been unable to find the source of this contamination and correct it. The board has also failed to provide free drinking water by tanker to the affected residents.

Outraged residents say they would not cast their votes in the forthcoming elections, having been forced to spend up to Rs 1,200 for water.

Prof Anthony Nirmal Raj, a resident of 2nd 'D' Cross, said residents noticed the dirty black and stinking water about four weeks ago and informed others. "I've been calling BWSSB officials but they say they are on election duty," said Banaswadi Corporator A Kodanda Reddy. "This is happening for the first time in 30 years."

Social worker Amith Nigli who resides in the area said the BWSSB did not inform residents about the contamination early on, as a result of which they were spending a fortune on cleaning up the sumps and overhead tanks.

BWSSB executive engineer Chalapathy said the board was looking into the issue, assuring that the cleaning of the pipes was complete and drinking water would be restored. He held Bescom and private companies responsible for the issue. Water supply was restored to some households by late Tuesday evening.