As flats without Cauvery water go unsold, BDA assures supply

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) could sell only 400 flats in the first two months after it introduced the “across the table” concept.

Lack of basic facilities, including Cauvery water, is said to be the main reason for the poor response. The authority has 2,705 flats at various locations.

Prospective buyers who visited the apartment complexes ask why BDA does not provide Cauvery water. “One can understand private apartment complexes not providing Cauvery water, but a state agency should have got the connection,’’ said Tushar K, who decided not to buy the flat after learning that there was no Cauvery water supply.

BDA officials, however, say Cauvery pipelines are being laid. “There is no water crisis in the flats as all apartment complexes have borewells. Each apartment complex has a provision for Cauvery pipelines. The final linking of pipelines is now being completed in a phased manner. We aim to complete all connections by December end,” said a BDA official.

BDA has so far laid pipelines in Valagerahalli Phase 1, Nandini Layout, Alegavadarahalli and Malagala Phase-1. Sanctions have been obtained for Valagerahalli Phase 2, 3 and 4, Doddabanahalli, Malagala Phase 2, Kanminike, Kommaghatta and Alur.

According to BWSSB norms, rainwater harvesting is being implemented in all apartments. But instead of collecting and using rainwater, the BDA has made provisions to recharge pits to maintain the groundwater levels.

No to Cauvery water

Even as lack of Cauvery water is putting off some prospective buyers, residents of BDA flats at Valagerahalli Phase-1 have urged the authority to disconnect the Cauvery water connection saying the borewell and tanker water would suffice. Cauvery water supply will be an additional expense, they say.

There are around 600 homes in the apartment complexes, some of which are unoccupied. “After the Cauvery water connection is given, even those who have not occupied the flat must pay minimum charges. We have to bear the burden of those who have not occupied the flats,” said a dweller.

“The water charges are too high. Cauvery water is not regular. Borewells and tankers are cheaper and water is guaranteed,” said K Kumar, an apartment owner.

“We cannot disconnect the Cauvery connection. We have decided to discuss this with the BWSSB. We are aware that the BWSSB is charging commercial rates to apartment dwellers. This is not justified,” the official said.

Extra cost

The existing water bill in the maintenance charges is around Rs 3,000. With a BWSSB connection, one has to pay Rs 250 minimum charge per flat, plus consumption charges (average Rs 250 per person). Occupants also have to share the non-occupants’ minimum charges and this increases their water bill and maintenance charges to Rs 5,000 per apartment unit.