Using drinking water for car washing, gardening, construction banned amid Bengaluru water crisis

The violation of the order will attract a fine of Rs 5,000.

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has banned the use of drinking water for cleaning vehicles, gardening, construction, and other recreational purposes.

Considering that the city is reeling under an acute water shortage, the board banned the use of drinking water for the following purposes: cleaning vehicles, gardening, construction activities, road works and cleaning in public spaces; water fountains and other such attractions.

Cinema halls and malls across Bengaluru have been asked to ensure that drinking water is used only for drinking purposes, banning all other activities.

“Bengaluru has a total population of close to 1.4 crore, including the floating population. It is important to meet the drinking water needs of the population. Given that the monsoon has failed and the groundwater levels have plunged, it is important to limit the use of drinking water,” the order noted.

The order has been passed under the powers vested to the board by the BWSSB Act,1964. Those violating the order will be imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 and repeated violators will be imposed an additional fine of Rs 500 along with Rs 5,000.

Citizens can report any violations to BWSSB on the helpline number 1916.