Water supply: 11 reasons to support KUWSDB

Corporator finds MCC, VVWW incapable; cites previous failures

Two days after the business advisory committee (BAC) of the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) met over drinking water supply on Thursday, Corporator B L Bhyrappa, on Saturday, favoured Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWS&DB) to continue operation and maintenance of water supply in the city after Jamshedpur Utilities and Services Company (JUSCO).

Addressing media here, Bhyrappa, a BJP Corporator (who won on Karnataka Janata Party ticket, that merged with the BJP), representing Ward 12 in the MCC, also sought the support of all elected representatives — corporators, MLAs and MLCs — for KUWS&DB during the next council meeting scheduled for May 15, where the subject will be taken up for discussion.

Bhyrappa listed 11 reasons, why KUWS&DB should shoulder the responsibility as against the Vani Vilas Water Works (VVWW) of the MCC.

The first and foremost reason is the capability of VVWW to discharge the duties with the MCC set to become Bruhat MCC in future. Second, when the VVWW failed to collect water cess, it would be near impossible in the future too.

Thirdly, it is difficult for the officials to function without fear or favour with local politicians always interfering in their works. It is a Hobson’s choice for the officials to dance to the tunes of the netas, as most of the officials are outsiders. Similarly, the officials cannot rein in the lower cadre as most of them are locals, enjoying the support of the politicians.

The officials are still unable to legalise most of the water connections due to the interference of politicians. In addition to this, of the total 250 MLD of water supplied daily from KRS and Kabini sources, 60 per cent is being used by illegal consumers. At several places, water is being wasted and diverted into storm water drains.

Mobilising resources
Mobilising resource has emerged as a biggest challenge for the MCC. Though the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), Taluk Panchayats and Gram Panchayats are using the water, they haven’t paid the water cess.

MUDA, though has approved 450 layouts and has collected deposits towards water supply, the amount has not reached the MCC.

Bhyrappa said, though 60 MLD of water drawn from Kabini was intended for 22 wards under Krishnaraja Assembly constituency, it is being supplied to 75 villages and the layouts developed beyond the outer-ring road junctions.

If KUWS&DB is entrusted with the task, people can question the State government in case of lapses. In the existing set up, local elected representatives bear the brunt for every other grievances.

Recently, when KUWS&DB elicited the opinion of people, NGOs and elected representatives, they supported the drainage board to take over the mantle.

The MCC should focus on its primary duties like generating revenue through sources like property tax and water cess, maintenance of roads, electric poles and other basic amenities in the city, he added.