BWSSB seeks separate police wing to prevent attacks

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has sought a separate police wing to prevent attacks on its officials.

BWSSB chairman T M Vijaya Bhaskar told Deccan Herald that the board needed the police wing to accompany officials who go out to collect arrears (pending bills), disconnect illegal water connections and prevent unlawful activities.

“In the last one year, there were at least four attacks on our officers,” he said.
“The board has sought a separate police wing consisting of 20 policemen headed by a Superintendent of Police. The proposal is before the finance department. We are hoping for an approval at the earliest,” he said. 

Attack on engineers
A former BWSSB engineer said it was difficult for an honest officer to work in any government agency, including BWSSB. “There is a vicious circle with political backing.

If engineers try to follow rules and disconnect illegal connections, they are manhandled and accused of depriving water. These are backed by local political representatives (corporators). They allow illegal connections and encourage water bill mafia to amass wealth and earn votes,” he told this reporter.