Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has banned the use of potable water for non-essential activities such as washing cars, gardening, construction, fountains, road repairs, and maintenance, in an effort to conserve water ahead of the summer season.
In Bengaluru, the summer season is generally considered to last between March and May.
The BWSSB order dated February 17 said the use of drinking water for washing vehicles, watering gardens and lawns, construction activities, decorative fountains, non-drinking purposes in malls and cinemas, and road construction and cleaning is strictly prohibited under Sections 33 and 34 of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1964.
“Any violation of this order will result in a fine of Rs 5,000, with an additional penalty of Rs 500 per day for repeated offenses under Section 109 of the Act. Residents can report violations by calling the BWSSB helpline (1916),” the order said.
“With a population of 1.4 crore, Bengaluru is facing depleting groundwater levels and inadequate rainfall,” the order added.
It may be recalled that BWSSB, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), recently conducted an in-depth study to assess and address potential water shortages in Bengaluru in the upcoming summer season.
According to the study, 80 wards, including 110 villages, have been identified as highly dependent on groundwater and at high risk of water shortages. Groundwater levels are projected to decline by 5 meters in Central Bengaluru, 10 to 15 metres in CMC areas, and as much as 20-25 metres in the 110 villages that it surveyed.
“Bengaluru relies heavily on borewells, extracting around 800 million litres of water daily. Areas like South-East Bengaluru, Whitefield, and the outer city limits are the most dependent on groundwater and face the highest water stress” said an official.
The chairman of BWSSB, Ram Prasath Manohar is specifically encouraging those living in high-risk wards to conserve ground water.
“We urge residents, especially those in high-risk wards, to reduce their dependence on groundwater and switch to Cauvery water connections. The Cauvery Phase 5 Project has increased water availability, offering a sustainable solution for Bengaluru’s growing needs,” Ram Prasath Manohar said.
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