Bengaluru residents should brace themselves for an increase in their water bills as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) grapples with severe financial constraints. Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister, who confirmed the impending hike, cited persistent financial difficulties and escalating power costs as key reasons for the decision.
During the launch of the ‘Cauvery Water at Your Doorstep’ campaign on Thursday, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that the BWSSB has not adjusted water tariffs in over a decade. This stagnation in rates has led to substantial financial difficulties for the board. “A tariff hike has become inevitable,” the Deputy Chief Minister stated, acknowledging the board’s precarious financial state. The increase, though contentious, is deemed necessary to prevent the collapse of the BWSSB and to ensure continued water supply to Bengaluru’s burgeoning population. The BWSSB’s financial strain is further exacerbated by rising electricity bills, which have significantly increased over the past 14 years. To mitigate these costs, the government is exploring the establishment of a captive power generation facility. This initiative aims to reduce the utility costs borne by the BWSSB, thereby alleviating some of the financial pressure.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the urgency of investing in an expanded distribution network to meet the demands of Bengaluru’s 140 crore residents. Without a corresponding increase in water tariffs, sustaining operations and supporting the BWSSB’s workforce would become untenable. The proposed tariff hike reflects a broader strategy to balance operational costs and ensure the long-term viability of Bengaluru’s water supply infrastructure. Despite resistance to the potential privatisation of water services, the necessity of the tariff hike remains a focal point. The government’s measures, including the tariff increase and the investment in power generation, underscore a commitment to maintaining the quality and reliability of Bengaluru’s water supply amidst growing financial pressures.
