Over Rs 1 lakh fine in 3 days: Bengaluru officials penalise 22 residents for potable water wastage

Two weeks after announcing a ban on using drinking water for non-essential services, the Bengaluru civic officials have imposed Rs 5,000 fine each on 22 people in the city within three days for violating the rules.

According to reports, these residents were found using drinking water for car washing and gardening amidst an acute water crisis.

In a statement, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board said that it collected Rs 1.1 lakh in fines from 22 households for blatant violation of its rule.

According to reports, most of the complaints against the offenders were received on social media, with the majority of the violations reported in the southeast division of Bengaluru where fines totalling Rs 65,000 were levied.

The board, in its order, had noted, “About 1.4 crore population has been identified in Bengaluru including permanent residents and those who are on transit. The supply of drinking water to all is essential. At present, the temperature is rising in the city every day, and the groundwater level has decreased due to lack of rain in recent days. As a result, it is necessary to prevent wastage of water in the city and it has been made necessary for the public to use drinking water sparingly.”

During Holi celebrations, BWSSB has advised residents not to use Cauvery and borewell water for pool parties and rain dances. It has also introduced an innovative programme, encouraging hotels, apartments and industries to install aerators to reduce water consumption.

It had also directed malls and cinema to use water only for drinking.

"In case of violation of prohibitory order, a fine of Rs 5,000 will be applicable for the first time offence and recurrence of this violation will result in a fine of Rs 5,000 with an additional penalty of Rs 500 per day," it stated.

According to officials, Bengaluru requires 2,100 MLD of potable water, out of which 1,450 MLD comes from Cauvery river, reports PTI news agency.

The city needs about eight thousand million cubic feet (TMC) from March to May while there is 34 TMC water in reservoirs.

The remaining 650 MLD of the city's water requirement comes from borewell water. There is a 250 MLD deficit here largely due to lack of rains, depleting underground water levels and exploitation of groundwater, they said.

Also read | Delhi Police sets up check points across city on Holi to catch traffic violators