Bengaluru: BWSSB sets up expert panel under retd IISc prof to boost reuse of treated water

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is drawing up an action plan to increase the use of treated black and grey water and has constituted a committee led by a retired IISc professor and other experts to drive the effort.

According to an order accessed by DH, the committee will serve as an advisory and coordinating body to develop strategies, recommend technologies, and facilitate stakeholder collaboration for sustainable water management.

Senior BWSSB officials said the panel will promote dual plumbing in apartments and commercial buildings, work with industry bodies to boost the sale and reuse of treated water, develop Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), engage with startups, and recommend emerging technologies and best practices for efficient water resource management.

Committee member Vishwanath M said discussions will soon begin with apartment complexes, construction firms and other stakeholders. “There is significant potential for reuse of treated water,” he said.

The committee is chaired by S Mohan Kumar, Professor (retired), IISc. Other members include Dr Hoysala Chanakya HN, Chief Research Scientist (retired), IISc; Vishwanath S of Biome Trust; four BWSSB officials; and representatives from KPMG, WELL Labs, Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI), and the Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF).