Bengaluru Water Utility Requires 4000 Additional Sanctioned Posts To Meet City Growth
Bengaluru’s water utility is facing a critical staffing shortfall, with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) stating it needs 4,000 additional sanctioned posts to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth. Currently operating with only 5,000 sanctioned positions—less than half of which are filled—the board warns that the existing manpower is insufficient to manage Bengaluru’s expanding water supply and sewage network, raising concerns about service efficiency and equitable access across the city.
BWSSB chairman Ram Prasath Manohar explained that the sanctioned strength has remained largely unchanged for nearly six decades, despite Bengaluru’s population growing from 4 million to over 14 million today. “The city has expanded dramatically, but our staffing numbers have not evolved to reflect this growth. To maintain service quality and implement sustainable water management solutions, we urgently need at least 4,000 more sanctioned posts,” he said during a conference on nature-based urban infrastructure solutions.At present, the board has only 2,300 employees managing critical operations, including water distribution, sewage treatment, and maintenance of the city’s extensive pipeline network. Analysts highlight that such manpower shortages can lead to delayed maintenance, increased service disruptions, and reduced capacity for monitoring water quality and leakages. “Human resources are as essential as infrastructure for urban water systems. Without adequate staffing, it is difficult to ensure reliable and sustainable services for a city of Bengaluru’s scale,” said a senior urban planner.
The shortage also has social and environmental implications. Peripheral neighbourhoods and informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to inconsistent water supply when the workforce is overstretched. Experts stress that addressing manpower gaps is crucial not only for operational efficiency but also for inclusive access, equitable distribution, and the integration of climate-resilient and green infrastructure solutions such as rainwater harvesting and natural sewage treatment systems.Officials emphasise that increasing sanctioned posts would enable BWSSB to attract specialised professionals in water management, environmental engineering, and digital monitoring technologies. Manohar pointed out that this expansion must be paired with training in sustainable practices, ensuring that the utility can meet the city’s future demands while supporting Bengaluru’s broader commitment to zero-carbon, inclusive, and resilient urban development.
While government approvals for additional posts are still in progress, urban development experts note that bridging the staffing deficit is critical to safeguarding Bengaluru’s water infrastructure. Strengthening human resources will not only enhance operational efficiency but also reinforce the city’s ability to implement forward-looking, environmentally conscious solutions that benefit residents across socio-economic groups.
