JOIN USBWSSB coffers swell post revision of tariff
The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has witnessed an increase in its monthly revenue by 45 per cent after the revised water tariff was implemented in December 2014.
It has managed to collect a revenue of Rs 75.74 crore in January 2015, as against the previous monthly average of Rs 55 crore.
With increased revenue, BWSSB will now be using the additional amount for maintenance of the existing infrastructure and also for the implementation of its project works. The Board is planning to set up sewage treatment plants (STPs) and replace trunk sewer lines.
Prior to water tariff revision, it was collecting an average monthly revenue of Rs 55 crore which was just sufficient for carrying out emergency maintenance works.
BWSSB Chairman Anjum Parvez said that the Board will have at least Rs 260 crore per annum from the pro-rata charges (water) that will be collected this year. Besides maintenance costs, the Board can think of utilising the funds for major works like constructing more STPs and replacing trunk sewers in core areas.
Plans ready
“We have already drafted plans to upgrade the existing STPs like the one in Hebbal and Vrishabhavathi valley. At these places, the capacity of the STPs is lesser than the amount of waste water generated. Seven locations have been identified for the construction of STPs across the City,” he said.
The Board is supplying 1,400 million litres of water per day (MLD) through the Cauvery Water Supply Scheme (CWSS) and an additional 200 MLD through borewell supply. At the moment only 750 MLD capacity STPs are functioning. With increased revenue, the Board is planning to set up more, he said.
BWSSB also wants to replace the main trunk sewers in the core areas of Bengaluru as these pipelines are more than 50 years old and require to be replaced.
Increased allotments
Increased revenue will also have increase in annual allotments of fund at the division level for maintenance works.
According to a senior BWSSB official, prior to the implementation of the revised tariff, each division was allotted just around Rs two crore for water and sanitary maintenance, but now Rs eight crore can be allotted for each division as an annual maintenance fund.
He said the replacement of pipelines, valves and other repair works can be carried out instantly, which otherwise was deferred for want of funds.
However on the flip side, the official added that arrears accumulated due to non-payment by chronic defaulters had also increased.
The amount stood at Rs 185.20 crore in October, last year.
It has now increased to Rs 203.98 crore in December. Several government organisations and commercial establishments have been listed as major defaulters, he added.