BWSSB anticipated a flood, but there is only a trickle

The Cabinet recently approved the Cauvery stage 6 project and it eventually featured in budget 2026-27.

While the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), through Cauvery stage 6 is planning to bring another 500 MLD of Cauvery water to the city, it is still struggling to get people to get water connections under Cauvery stage V, completed 18 months ago.

While BWSSB was initially expecting at least 3.5 lakh connections across 110 villages added to BBMP limits in 2008, the board has received applications only from close to 1.2 lakh residents so far.

BWSSB claims that development of the newly added areas was not on expected lines. So, the board has now revised the expected number of connections to 1.8 lakh.

Considering the revised estimate, only close to 70% of the people have come forward to get connections under stage 5.

According to BWSSB sources, many residents of areas serviced by Cauvery stage V are used to borewell water and hence are not keen to get new tap connections.

“While the monthly water bill may not be a burden for them, the initial cost for applying for a connection runs into thousands of rupees. Many in these areas are not convinced about paying so much. For years, they have depended on borewell water, which is free,” a senior BWSSB official said.

“They started the project back in 2018 and made a few of us pay up right at the beginning. The project dragged on for over five years, missing multiple deadlines. Hence, many did not want to pay when BWSSB asked them to do so in 2024, when the project was nearing completion. They did not believe that water supply will start. Now that we are getting water supply, slowly people may start applying,” said Abhaya K, a resident of North Bengaluru.

Considering that the upfront application cost was making it unaffordable for many citizens, BWSSB introduced ‘Sarala Cauvery’ scheme. Under this, the board provides EMI options for those applying for the tap connections.

For houses with a built-up area of up to 600 sq ft, residents can pay Rs 1,000 initially and the remaining amount in 12 equal monthly instalments, along with water use charges and a 0.15% service fee.

Owners of only close to 25,000 buildings have applied under the scheme, sources said.

While BWSSB acknowledged that there is some resistance among people, officials said the response is not very bad. “It takes time for people to apply and get connections. Over the last few months, applications are coming in and we are hopeful that we will achieve 100% coverage by 2027,” said Dr Ramprasat Manohar V, chairman, BWSSB.

The board has been keeping a close watch to ensure people apply for connections legally. 

Given the situation, there are concerns around how the response for Cauvery stage 6 will be. The board plans to supply close to 150 million litres per day (MLD) to urbanised centres like Anekal, Nelamangala, Hoskote and Devanahalli under stage 6.

“There will definitely be resistance among people to apply for connections there, since they are used to draw water from borewells and local water bodies. But if we are to look at it from a long-term vision, the project is much needed since these areas will get more urbanised and population will grow,” a senior BWSSB official said.

Manohar said it was BWSSB’s responsibility to ensure safe drinking water for all and hence the project was important.

“It is our fundamental duty to provide reliable water supply and we are working towards it. The groundwater may be contaminated and may lead to health concerns. So, we encourage people to use Cauvery water, wherever possible,” he said.

Cauvery stage 6 is also crucial to ensure that Bengaluru draws all the water allotted to it from River Cauvery. While it might take years for people to opt for a connection, BWSSB officials said it was important to provide a safe and reliable alternative to groundwater.

The water supply projects will work towards preventing exploitation of groundwater, they said.