Water crisis: Bengaluru civic agency opens war room; milk tankers to be used for water supply

The deputy CM DK Shivakumar also warned private water tanker lorries that are yet to register with the civic body.

Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on March 4 said that the civic body has set up a war room to address the water crisis in Bengaluru.

Speaking to reporters on water crisis in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said, “We have set up a war room to monitor the water situation in Bengaluru in real-time. BBMP helplines and ward-wise grievance centers are in place to address complaints related to water shortage in the city. Senior officials and I will personally oversee the situation daily. Providing drinking water to the citizens is the government's responsibility. There is no need to be worried."

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Meanwhile, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the civic agency, has nominated nodal officers in 110 villages (outer areas added to the BBMP limits in 2008) across 35 wards, including five wards in RR zone, 10 in Bommanahalli, 12 in Mahadevapura, 3 in Dasarahalli, and five in Yelahanka.

A BBMP statement urged residents of these 35 wards to contact the control room at 1533 in the corporation’s head office, while others could reach BWSSB’s helpline at 1916 to report water-related issues. According to BBMP records, there are 14,781 borewells in the city, with 6,997 dried up and 7,784 functional.

Only 219 private water tankers registered

The deputy CM also warned private water tanker lorries that are yet to register with the civic body. "Only 219 out of 3,500 private water tankers in Bengaluru are registered with BBMP so far, and the unregistered ones will be seized after March 7," said Shivakumar.

He emphasised that water belongs to the government, and he instructed authorities to supply water from areas with high groundwater levels on the outskirts of Bengaluru. "BWSSB is already using 210 tankers to distribute water for free. The election code of conduct will not hinder the water supply," he said.

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A total of Rs 556 crore has been allocated to address the drinking water crisis in Bengaluru. "Each MLA of Bengaluru city has been allocated Rs 10 crore to tackle water shortages in their respective constituencies. Additionally, BBMP has earmarked Rs 148 crore, and BWSSB has allocated Rs 128 crore to address the issue," he said

Shivakumar suggested using disused milk tankers for water supply. "Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) milk tankers will be cleaned before being deployed for water supply in Bengaluru. These tankers will be used for water supply until the water shortage persists," he said.

He said that a meeting has been called with the private tanker association on March 7 to fix rates for water tankers, which currently range from Rs 500 to Rs 2,000. "The tariff will be decided based on per kilometer basis in consultation with the association," he said.

Shivakumar said 775 MLD under Cauvery Stage-5 will be pumped to 110 villages in the suburbs once it is completed by May 2024. Stating that Bengaluru city is undergoing a serious water crisis, Shivakumar urged the general public to use water judiciously. "Avoid using drinking water for gardens and car wash. Treated water may be utilized for other purposes," he added.