BWSSB plans 15% hike in tariff

The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is all set to revise the water tariff in a few weeks. The civic body has proposed a 15% revision in tariff to try and mop up losses it had incurred in the past due to revision of electricity and other utility charges. Further, BWSSB will also propose to the government revision of tariff once in three years.

BWSSB has already prepared a draft tariff revision which will be submitted to the state government towards the end of May. Currently, according to sources, the draft revision has been shared internally among its engineers. The last revision in water tariff was in 2014. Confirming the decision, BWSSB chairman Tushar Girinath told DH that a final meeting in this regard will be held on May 30.

“Revision of electricity tariff every year is the major expenditure for us. Unlike power tariff, we cannot revise water tariff every year. It has been five years since we revised our tariffs. We will soon send the draft to the state government for consideration and approval. In order to catch up on rising expenditure on infrastructure, we will also propose tariff revision at least once in three years,” he said.

Kemparamaiah, engineer-in-chief, BWSSB said, “The board spends about Rs 50 crore on electricity alone. Further, we need to manage funds for other ongoing infrastructure works. A decision will be taken safeguarding the interests of both the public and the board.”

BWSSB, which has about 10 lakh potable water supply connections and a sewerage network, is gradually expanding its service and operations from the earlier 265 sq km to 800 sq km. Similarly, the board is also taking up Cauvery 5th Stage at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore besides launching work on sewage treatment plants across Bengaluru by 2020.

Existing domestic tariff:
Up to 8,000 litres: Rs 7/kilo ltr
8,001-25,000 litres: Rs 11
25,001-50,000 litres: Rs 26
Above 50,000 litres: Rs 45