Before the onset of summer, Bengaluru, Karnataka's bustling metropolis, is facing stringent regulations to tackle its water crisis. Anyone caught washing cars, engaging in gardening, construction activities, road maintenance, or using water fountains will be met with severe action. Violators will face a fine of 5,000 rupees.
Despite the water shortages, instances of water misuse in some of Bengaluru's housing societies were reported, leading to the issuance of a fine notice. However, official orders for the fines have now been mandated. The Karnataka Water Supply and Sewerage Board has specified a penalty of 5,000 rupees in its directive.
High-tech Bengaluru is presently grappling with a severe water crisis, to the extent that even the Chief Minister's residence has reported shortages. On February 5th, water tankers were frequently spotted in the area, and millions are desperate for every drop, struggling with significant water scarcity. Residents are forced to have water delivered by tankers, yet this is still not meeting the demand.
If tankers aren't registered by March 7th, they will be seized: Deputy CM
In light of the escalating crisis, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, has warned all water tanker owners statewide to register their vehicles by March 7th or face confiscation. While addressing the issue at the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) headquarters in the city, he noted that out of 3,500 water tankers, only 10%, or 219, have been registered. He warned that any tankers remaining unregistered by the deadline will be seized by the government.
Funds released to all MLAs
The state government has allocated 556 crore rupees to address the water crisis in Bengaluru. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar stated, 'Each MLA in Bengaluru has been provided with 10 crore rupees for their constituency to combat water shortages. Additionally, the BBMP has allocated 148 crore rupees, and the BWSSB has earmarked 128 crore rupees to resolve the issue. A 'war room' has been established for real-time monitoring of the situation. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has decided to utilize its empty milk tankers to store water in Bengaluru. We have chosen to repurpose unused milk tankers for water supply after cleaning them.'
