BWSSB to launch ‘RRR’ solution for water management
Bengaluru: BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasad Manohar announced that the board has come up with ‘RRR’ solution to resolve the water supply issue.
According to Manohar, RRR stands for ‘revitalization of Arkavati and Vrishabhavati basins’, ‘incentive for rain water recharge’ and ‘rejuvenation of 185 lakes in the city’.
He said the board would join hands with the people’s movement to revive the city’s water bodies, and asked the public to contact them directly for the purpose.
“Triple ‘R’ people movement will be launched by BWSSB to make Bengaluru city water surplus by July 2026, by reviving the city’s water sources,” Manohar said after inspecting both the basins.
He said that there are many encroachments on Arkavati and Vrishabhavati valleys which are causing problems in water flow. “Our aim is to clear these encroachments and allow smooth flow of water. The role of the residents of Bengaluru is also very important and people should join hands for its revival in large numbers,” Manohar said.
Rainwater harvesting and recharging has been made mandatory, and most people have installed rainwater harvesting devices in their buildings, but they have no system to recharge it. He said, BWSSB will provide incentives to those who have adequately adopted rain water harvesting systems and made arrangements to make good use of that water.
A campaign ‘Hemmeya Bengaluru Citizen’ (Proud Bengaluru Citizen) will be launched, and BWSSB will stick ‘Proud Bengaluru Citizen’ stickers on buildings that have adequate rainwater recharging. On rejuvenation of 185 lakes, he said that more than 15 lakes are already being filled with treated water. The Jal Board aims to revive 185 such lakes within the city limits in the coming days.
BWSSB will tap the water of Namghatta lake
Water shortage is likely to be severe in May, BWSSB is making preparations to deal with the shortage. BWSSB Chairman Manohar, who visited and inspected various lakes and water supply stations, asked the officials to tap Namghatta lake in case of water shortage.
“At present, 0.3 tmcft of water is available in the lake. Also, there is good water in tube wells in this area. In case of water shortage in May, 10 MLD water can be supplied to the city per day through Nemghatta water supply station of BWSSB. Discussions were held with officials on Wednesday and instructions have been given to make necessary preparations,” Manohar said.
Karnataka HC: Some allegations of BWSSB illegal
While upholding the validity of advance pro rata charges and treated water charges for construction works by BWSSB for issuing ‘No Objection Certificate’ for high rise residential buildings, the Karnataka High Court rapped the petitioners – Sobha Limited and five others. Their general power of attorney holder is Brigade Enterprises.
They had argued that they were not willing to pay any fee to the board as they were not getting any benefit from it. However, the court held that the lump sum recovery of beneficiary capital contribution charges and Greater Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Project charges for multi-storey buildings in 110 villages, now part of the BBMP, is illegal.
However, this decision will not come in the way of the State or BWSSB to implement the charges which have been held illegal by amending the Bengaluru Water and Sewerage Sanitation Act or the rules or regulations. Justice M Nagaprasanna passed the order.
