Bengaluru Water Tankers To Get Costlier, Stricter Usage Rules From April – BWSSB Ahead of Potential Crisis
Bengaluru is facing a severe groundwater crisis, with levels dropping by up to 15 metres in the outskirts, prompting BWSSB to impose stricter water regulations. From April, tanker costs are expected to rise, and residents are urged to switch to Cauvery water connections to avoid shortages.
Bengaluru: As Bengaluru braces for another harsh summer, authorities are tightening water regulations to prevent a crisis. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has raised alarms over falling groundwater levels, particularly on the city's outskirts, where depletion has reached 10 to 15 metres, asper a DH report. With peak summer months approaching, water shortages are expected, prompting stricter rules on borewell usage and an urgent push for residents to switch to Cauvery waterconnections.
Groundwater Running Low, Costs Set to Rise
A recent collaborative study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and BWSSB shows the severe drop in groundwater levels across various parts of Bengaluru. While core city areas have seen a five-metre decline, the outskirts—including the City Municipal Corporation areas and the 110 villages—have recorded a staggering 10 to 15-metre drop. BWSSB chairman V Ramprasath Manohar stressed that some areas, particularly in the east and north, are witnessing depletion rates as high as 20 to 25 metres.
With this decline, the cost of water tankers—already a major expense for many—could soon skyrocket. Officials warn that a water crisis will create a surge in demand, allowing private tanker suppliers to hike rates. To counter this, the BWSSB is urging apartment residents to shift to Cauvery water connections instead of relying on borewells and tankers.
Stricter Monitoring and New Water Supply Plan
From April 1, the BBMP will transfer control of all borewells and RO plants to the BWSSB, making it the sole agency responsible for drinking water in Bengaluru. To ensure judicious water use, BWSSB officials and water meter readers will begin monitoring borewell extraction from Saturday. Residents found misusing potable water for non-drinking purposes or excessively drawing from borewells will face penalties.
Additionally, to improve access to Cauvery water, BWSSB plans to set up 16 Cauvery Connect Centres in the 110 villages covered under Cauvery Stage V. A new app is also being developed, allowing residents to book water tankers online for a fixed rate of Rs 90 per tanker. These centres are expected to be operational by early March, providing a regulated alternative to private water suppliers.
