BENGALURU: The Cauvery 5th Stage project, a significant development aimed at enhancing Bengaluru’s water supply infrastructure, is nearing completion, with final readiness tests currently underway. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is slated to inspect the site soon, a visit that will precede the project’s official inauguration, according to Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) Chairman Ramprasath Manohar.
During a press briefing on Friday, Manohar highlighted the swift progress being made on the project, following directives from the Deputy Chief Minister. “The work on the Cauvery 5th Stage is advancing rapidly under the DCM’s instructions. An inspection by the DCM is expected soon, given the project’s near-completion status,” Manohar stated.
The final testing phase has temporarily disrupted water supply in parts of Bengaluru, a situation Manohar addressed during the briefing. He explained that the cessation of water supply was due to air lock issues in the pipes, a complication arising from the final readiness tests. “The water supply was halted to facilitate the testing process. Air trapped in the pipes caused the disruption, but we anticipate that this issue will be resolved within two days,” he assured.
In a related development, Energy Minister KJ George inaugurated a new 60 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at HBR Layout on Friday. This initiative, which also saw the presence of BWSSB Chairman Manohar, is set to address chronic flooding issues in several low-lying areas.
BWSSB officials noted that the STP project is crucial for areas such as HBR Layout, Lingarajapuram, KG Halli, and Kalyan Nagar, which frequently experience severe flooding during heavy rains. These inundations often result in rainwater entering residential properties, causing significant distress to inhabitants. “The new STP will play a vital role in mitigating the flood risk in these areas,” officials said.
The Cauvery 5th Stage project and the new STP underscore the Karnataka government’s commitment to improving Bengaluru’s water management and sewage treatment infrastructure. These initiatives are anticipated to significantly enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents by ensuring a more reliable water supply and reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas.
The completion of the Cauvery 5th Stage project is particularly crucial for Bengaluru, a city that has faced perennial water supply challenges due to rapid urbanisation and population growth. The project is expected to augment the city’s water supply capacity substantially, providing much-needed relief to its burgeoning population.
As the city awaits the Deputy Chief Minister’s inspection and the subsequent inauguration of the Cauvery 5th Stage project, residents and officials alike are hopeful that these advancements will herald a new era of improved water infrastructure and service delivery in Bengaluru. The BWSSB’s proactive measures in addressing the current water supply disruptions and their efforts in flood management through the new STP reflect a comprehensive approach to the city’s water-related challenges.
