Karnataka Government Hints at Hiking Water Tariff in Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced a potential increase in water tariffs in Bengaluru, following a recent hike in petrol and diesel prices in Karnataka. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) faces significant financial challenges, and Shivakumar emphasized the need for a review after 10 years. The completion of the fifth phase of the Cauvery project is expected to impact the decision on the water tariff hike.

After the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices in Karnataka, residents of Bengaluru may also face a water tariff hike. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar mentioned on Wednesday that the water tariff had not been revised for the past decade, necessitating a review.

“We are suffering huge losses. We’ve taken up new projects, and no bank is coming forward to finance the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB),” said Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru development minister. Last week, the state government increased sales tax on fuel, making petrol and diesel costlier by Rs 3 and Rs 3.5 per litre, respectively.

Shivakumar added that he has instructed officials to review the BWSSB’s financial position and provide a report. “Let them give a report first. We will place it before the public before taking a call. The fifth phase of the Cauvery project is going to be completed. In 10-15 days, I’ll ensure completion of BWSSB work in this regard. At least 70% of the water bill is incurred through power bills and labor charges. Every year, we suffer a big loss. Hence, there is no option. I am working out possibilities and discussing how to stabilize the company (BWSSB),” he said.

Justifying the necessity of the hike, Shivakumar stated: “Even the financing committee, World Bank, and others are telling us we are politicizing the issue and not even trying to bring it to a breakeven level. This is what various officials and international banking staffers are conveying. We must expand the water distribution system. I have now allotted 6 TMC ft of more water to Bengaluru. We must undertake the work of one more phase. There is no option unless we show them that BWSSB is an independent company and works as an independent entity.”