Karnataka deputy CM Shivakumar's tough message for citizens: 'Will raise water tariff despite criticism, protests won't help'

Shivakumar in June too had indicated that a possible hike in the monthly water charges in Bengaluru

Calling Bengaluru citizens “ungrateful”, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday has announced plans to increase water tariffs.

Amid stiff public opposition, Shivakumar emphasised the need for the tariff hike to ensure the survival of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

According to the minister, the revision in water tariff is unavoidable. “The board is not able to pay power bills and employees' salaries. To ensure water supply to the city, the supply network must be expanded, and this is being done by taking loans from various organisations. Without a tariff revision, BWSSB cannot survive anymore,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.

According to Shivakumar, there has been a proposal (to hike) water prices for eight to nine years. "Citizens are ungrateful. If they don't get water, they will abuse us, call us, and put messages on WhatsApp. They don't know how difficult it is," said Shivakumar. "Let the media and opposition abuse us. I am bound to increase the water tariff. They can criticize or protest, I won't stop. We will increase the tariff; otherwise, BWSSB won't survive."

However, he clarified that the tariff hike may not apply universally and only certain sections of the population could be affected. “We will look into it. We cannot hike tariffs for everyone, we may have to do it for some sections....no decision yet (on how much to hike). I will discuss in the Cabinet and with the citizens and do it," he said as per PTI.

#KarnatakaDyCM @DKShivakumar says water tariff in #Bengaluru will be increased. Opposition @BJP4Karnataka leaders saidthey'll protest against it.@NewIndianXpress @XpressBengaluru @santwana99 @Cloudnirad pic.twitter.com/14IrPX36tY
Ramu Patil (@ramupatil_TNIE) August 22, 2024

The state BJP slammed the announcement. “Water is a basic necessity, not a luxury! Yet, our DCM and Bengaluru City Development Minister DK Shivakumar is planning to turn it into a costly commodity with his proposed hike in water tariff. This potential financial burden on the common man is a result of the Congress’ ongoing fiscal mismanagement. If governance continues to fail, it’s the people who will pay the price,” BJP state president B Y Vijayendra posted on X.

In June too, Shivakumar indicated a possible hike in the monthly water charges.