Stung by criticism; BWSSB issues time table of Cauvery water release for all sectors

Every Sector in HSR Layout is reeling under Cauvery water shortage. With the Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board (BWSSB) providing erratic water supply, every resident and association member is up in arms. Stung by the increasing unrest among people, the BWSSB has released a time table for the whole of April.

The Background

Sector 3 activist HM Javali spoke to the BWSSB engineers and requested them to ration water equitably to all sectors as there were allegations that certain areas were water-sufficient while the other stretches were crying for water. Even the borewells have gone dry in several areas, prompting everyone to take refuge in water tankers who have doubled their prices. Says Sector 3 resident SB Kittur: “The water tanker lobby is taking advantage of the situation by increasing the rates. There is no control on the prices. By delaying the water supply, the BWSSB is helping them make more money. Adds fellow resident Rajesh: “Yes, it’s true, the prices are increasing. For 4500 litres, they are charging Rs 1200.”

Last week, fed up with complaints from all the sectors, BNR Reddy, the chairman of The Federation of HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association met with the BWSSB’s senior engineers and threatened a dharna in front of their office if the situation does not improve within a week. Thankfully, it has, but much more needs to be done. Take today. According to the BWSSB, Sector 3 is supposed to get Cauvery water, but so far, there is no sign of a single drop, complain residents.

At the BWSSB Pump House, there are over 200 complaints from the residents but hardly a few get tanker water from the BWSSB when the taps don’t run. Says Sector 1 resident Syed Imran: “Only those who go to the pump house and apply pressure are getting water tankers once in a while. In Sector 1, we get water once in five days whereas in Jayanagar, it’s every alternate day. This is unacceptable.” He has also complained to the chairman of the BWSSB.

In the meanwhile, there are WhatsApp forwards being circulated by the residents, quoting an analysis by the Central Government Water Committee that advocates people to stop using the shower and use a bucket instead. Similarly, avoid flushing the toilet and use a bucket instead. Don’t wash clothes in running tap; use a bucket instead. Use a mug for shaving or brushing teeth instead of a running tap. Similarly dry wash your car, and use a sprinkler for gardening, The upshot? Every family can save atleast 300 litres of water every day with minor changes in their life style. We agree and advocate these methods to everyone.

‘No election duty, please’

The agency has sought exemption for its staff from election duty citing disruption in essential services. Stating that it will not be able to function smoothly if critical staff are picked for the duty, the civic body has written to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Karnataka, seeking exemption of employees from election duty. As many as 1,150 employees, including engineers, clerks, inspectors, valvemen and other worker are asked to attend training sessions for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.