Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board launches two schemes to improve water access, take on tanker mafia

Time of India

10-05-2025

Bengaluru:
Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board
launched two initiatives —
Sanchari Cauvery
and
Sarala Cauvery
— to expand access to piped water and regulate the city's exploitative water tanker business.Under Sarala Cauvery scheme, apartment complexes can pay 20% of water connection charges upfront, with the remaining 80% will be payable in instalments over one-year period.
For small homes measuring up to 600 square feet, a nominal fee of Rs 1,000 will be charged for providing water connection, making it easier for low-income households to access piped water.Addressing the growing issue of private water tanker operators charging exorbitant rates — from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 per load — the govt launched Sanchari Cauvery (mobile Cauvery) service to supply clean water at fixed and affordable prices through BWSSB-operated tankers. The pricing structure under the new initiative has been set at Rs 660 for 4,000 litres, Rs 700 for 5,000 litres, Rs 740 for 6,000 litres and Rs 1,290 for 12,000 litres.In the first phase, 250 branded tankers have been deployed. They will deliver water within 24 hours of booking, marking a major step in addressing the city's water crisis.Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said, "BWSSB has been incurring losses for years and did not revise water rates since 2014. Following the tariff revision, several banks expressed interest in providing financial support to the board." Citing earlier attempts made during JH Patel's tenure to privatise the board, he said the govt decided to retain control of utilities like water and electricity and instituted a rule that only IAS officers should head BWSSB.Property recordsShivakumar unveiled plans to deliver property records directly to homeowners, much like water connections. As part of this initiative, errors in property records will be rectified and documents delivered without the need to pay bribes to middlemen. Through Nambike Naksha scheme, citizens can obtain engineer-approved building plans without visiting BBMP offices. A related convention will be held within 15 days.