The long-awaited Cauvery water supply to 110 villages within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) jurisdiction is on the verge of commencement, with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) setting a target date of August 20 for water delivery. This milestone marks significant progress in the 5th phase of the Cauvery water project, which has now extended to TK Halli, an essential juncture in the project’s timeline. Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the initiative aims to address the chronic water shortages faced by these villages, with the project’s completion expected to add a substantial 775 million litres of water per day to the existing supply.
The Cauvery water project, which began with a completion target of March 2023, encountered several delays owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, labour shortages, and disruptions related to elections. These setbacks pushed the completion timeline to May 2024. Despite these challenges, the BWSSB is poised to begin water distribution by August 20, offering much-needed relief to the affected areas.
Currently, the BWSSB provides 1,450 million litres of water daily to Bengaluru. With the inclusion of the additional 775 million litres from the Cauvery project, the total supply is expected to rise to 2,225 million litres per day. The project, which has already cost ₹4,661 crore, is expected to incur an additional ₹25 crore monthly in electricity expenses. However, the expansion of water connections, anticipated to reach 400,000 households, is expected to generate increased revenue from water bills, potentially offsetting the financial strain on the BWSSB. As of now, 55,000 connections have already been established, with further expansion planned.
A senior BWSSB official highlighted the strategic efforts underway to ensure the successful implementation of this project. The BWSSB is planning awareness campaigns and rallies to facilitate the expansion, with a directive to provide 100,000 new connections. The Deputy Chief Minister has set a goal for officials to deliver 20,000 new connections per month, starting in September, across the 110 villages. These villages, spread across five BBMP zones, have been waiting for Cauvery water for nearly 17 years. The project, initially approved in 2017 with an estimated cost of ₹5,550 crore, has seen incremental progress, with villages in zones such as Bommanahalli, Mahadevapura, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Dasarahalli, and Byatarayanapura benefiting from the inclusion.
The BWSSB chairman confirmed that all project-related work is nearing completion, with hydro testing currently underway on the pipeline near TK Halli. The process of increasing water connections will begin once the supply starts, with a target of 20,000 new connections per month. The charges for these connections vary based on the property type and size, with fees structured for non-domestic and commercial properties, as well as industries, offices, and call centres. These charges reflect the board’s effort to ensure equitable access to water while maintaining financial sustainability.
As the Cauvery water project approaches its critical phase of implementation, the BWSSB’s efforts to overcome challenges and deliver on its promises underscore the significance of this development for the residents of the BBMP area. The project’s completion will not only bring water to the long-deprived villages but also set a benchmark for future infrastructure projects in the region.
