Water Tariff Hike Likely in Bengaluru: BWSSB Faces Financial Strain
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is pushing for a water tariff hike to address rising operational costs. A meeting with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar will soon decide the extent of the increase.
Bengaluru is likely to witness an increase in water tariffs as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) pushes for a revision in charges. Following the recent hike in BMTC bus ticket prices, water tariff adjustments could be next on the government’s agenda. Sources indicate that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will soon hold a meeting with BWSSB officials to discuss the proposal.
BWSSB has already reached out to Bengaluru MLAs through letters, highlighting the board’s worsening financial situation and emphasizing the urgency of revising water rates. BWSSB officials argue that the current tariff, fixed in 2014, is no longer sufficient to cover rising operational and maintenance costs.
Financial Crisis Forces BWSSB to Seek Tariff Revision
BWSSB Chairman Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar revealed that the board is facing severe financial constraints due to outdated water tariffs. He noted that costs associated with water supply and sewerage system maintenance have more than doubled over the years, while tariffs have remained unchanged for over a decade.
On December 2, Dr. Manohar sent a formal letter to Bengaluru’s elected representatives, seeking their support for the proposed hike. The letter outlined BWSSB’s growing financial burden and warned that failure to revise tariffs could severely impact the board’s ability to maintain daily operations and upgrade infrastructure.
Dr. Manohar stated that discussions regarding the extent of the hike will take place in a meeting chaired by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar. “We are not in a position to sustain our operations without increasing water charges. The upcoming meeting will provide a clearer direction on this matter,” he added.
BWSSB Pushes for Technological Upgrades
According to BWSSB, a significant part of the financial strain stems from the need to implement technological upgrades to improve water supply efficiency. Dr. Manohar stressed that without a tariff revision, these upgrades would be impossible to execute, potentially affecting Bengaluru’s water management in the long run.
Although the proposal has yet to be approved, BWSSB officials are optimistic that the government will recognize the need for a revision. “The decision to hike water charges is not yet final. However, we will meet with the Deputy CM soon to address this issue,” said Dr. Manohar.
Tariff Increase to Be Finalized by End of January
A clearer picture regarding the water tariff hike is expected to emerge by the end of January. The meeting with D.K. Shivakumar will involve representatives from various departments, who will collectively determine how much the rates should be increased.
BWSSB hopes that the government will act swiftly to address their financial challenges, ensuring the city’s water supply system remains sustainable. For now, Bengaluru residents must prepare for a potential rise in water bills as discussions progress toward a decision.