Water tariff revision to reduce Rs 500-cr annual losses, says Dy CM as BWSSB enters Guinness Book

The campaign, held from March 21 to 28 this year, saw a record 5,33,642 people taking water conservation pledge, earning BWSSB a place in the Guinness World Records, Shivakumar’s office said in a statement.

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is formulating plans to provide drinking water to two crore citizens of Bengaluru while reducing losses worth Rs 500 crore through tariff revision, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Wednesday.

He was speaking at an event where the BWSSB was honoured for achieving a Guinness World Record for the most pledges (5,33,642) received during the Water Conservation Week, held from March 21 to 28.

Shivakumar said the board is suffering losses of Rs 400 crore to Rs 500 crore annually as water rates had not been increased in the past decade, while population growth has been unprecedented.

"Records show there is a loss of up to Rs 1,000 crore," he said. "Although it is not possible to stop the loss completely, efforts have been made to control it. We have decided to revise the rates based on the Transport Department model in the coming days." 

Acknowledging the BWSSB’s work, the Deputy Chief Minister said there were many obstacles in the implementation of the Cauvery Stage V drinking water project, which are being resolved.

He also noted that he would hold meetings with district authorities to resolve doubts about the Cauvery Aarti after the government decided to perform the puja near the KRS dam.

"A committee has been formed to plan this under the leadership of the BWSSB chairman," Shivakumar said, noting that they have prepared a master plan, which could create employment opportunities for 1,500 people in that area.