Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) DK Shivakumar hinted at an imminent water rate hike for Bengaluru residents. Addressing the media in the city on Wednesday, he highlighted that water rates in Bengaluru have remained unchanged for the past decade, leading to substantial financial losses for the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Shivakumar pointed out that the completion of the Cauvery fifth phase project is nearing, but the board continues to face annual losses.
Acknowledging the financial challenges, Shivakumar mentioned the difficulty in securing financial assistance from banks and international institutions like the World Bank without addressing the board’s financial deficits. He highlighted the need to explore alternatives and optimize resource utilization, including the utilization of 6 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of Cauvery water allocated for Bengaluru.
Authorities have been directed to conduct a comprehensive review to assess the feasibility and implications of revising water rates. Shivakumar assured that an official decision on the potential rate hike would be made after careful evaluation of the possibilities.
