Tanker mafia exploiting Bengaluru residents : Deve Gowda in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda has said the tanker mafia is exploiting Bengaluru residents due to a severe shortage of water in the city.

Making a special mention in the Rajya Sabha, the JD(S) leader noted that due to the water shortage, people were forced to buy water from private operators.

Urging the Centre to approve Mekedatu project to address water crisis in the city, Gowda said all political parties must put aside differences and support this project.

With a population of 1.45 crore, Bengaluru currently receives 16 TMC feet of Cauvery water, which is insufficient to meet the city's growing demands. "Taking advantage of the situation, tanker operators are charging exorbitant rates. A single tanker costs Rs 3,000. For a family of four, this translates to an alarming Rs 20,000 per month just for water. This is a grave injustice," he stated.

Bengaluru, with its rapidly growing population and status as a hub attracting people from across the country for jobs, is grappling with a severe drinking water crisis. "The city, which provides shelter to all, is now burdened with the unfair practices of the tanker mafia," Deve Gowda said.

The former PM emphasised that implementing the Mekedatu Project is the only solution to this crisis. "This project will permanently free Bengaluru from its water woes. I urge everyone to come together, set aside political differences, and support this project, he said.