BWSSB to spend Rs 11 cr for preparing master plan

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has entered into an agreement with CH2M Hill, an international consultancy to prepare a strategic master plan and vision document for the Board for the next 30 years.

The Board recently signed an agreement with the firm for Rs 11 crore for preparing a comprehensive “Water Supply and Sewerage Master Plan” with a 30-year planning horizon for the entire BBMP area. The firm will submit the report in a year’s time.
A BWSSB official said that the vision document would help the Board to plan infrastructure and development projects better. It would guide the Board engineers on steps to be taken to meet the growing demand for water in the City.

The official said previously, the Board had got a similar plan developed by AUSAID when Cauvery IV stage I and II phase were in the planning stage. But, it was limited only to water supply and this time the consultancy would adopt a comprehensive approach which will include water supply, sanitation and asset management.

The vision document will provide a plan on how the Board should function in the coming years - managing water resources, planning projects and ensuring sustainability of the projects. The Master Plan will given an idea on the way the BWSSB should function to ensure its “healthiness” while approaching international agencies for loans and grants for its developmental projects.

The documents envisage “Smart” water supply and sewerage infrastructure, which enables Bengaluru to compete with the global cities.

  The Master Plan is expected to identify potential water supply and sewerage schemes along with their implementation framework, which will serve as a master document for BWSSB.  The Board can later identify and select individual projects which may be considered for implementation based on assessment, feasibility and priority. The study will also include the outcomes of previous master plans prepared for the City, ongoing works under various water supply and sewerage schemes and any proposed rezoning of the water supply and sewerage areas, for improved operation and maintenance of the water and sewerage system.