The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced the nearing completion of the Cauvery Stage V project, set to bring relief to hundreds of thousands of residents within the expanded Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits. With anticipation building over the imminent commissioning by July’s end, attention is turning to what lies ahead for urban water management in Bengaluru, particularly with six TMCFT of Cauvery water still to be tapped.
Water conservation expert Vishwanath S highlighted the importance of planning for the future, citing the decade-long effort to complete Cauvery Stage V and urging BWSSB to commence work on Cauvery Stage VI promptly. “Given the labor-intensive nature and financial magnitude of water supply projects, BWSSB should prioritize fund mobilization and learn from the experiences of Stage V,” he remarked.
BWSSB Chairman Ramprasat Manohar V affirmed these sentiments, revealing that preparations are already underway with the drafting of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Stage VI. “We anticipate completing the DPR by year’s end and will seek government support to secure funding, possibly through international agencies,” he stated.
Stage VI aims to extend Cauvery water supply to suburban areas surrounding Bengaluru such as Anekal, Nelamangala, Hoskote, and Devanahalli. The board plans to provide bulk water supply to these regions, with Urban Local Bodies (ULB) responsible for door-to-door distribution.
Residents, eagerly awaiting reliable water access, voiced their hopes for better project planning and transparency from BWSSB. The Cauvery Stage V implementation faced numerous challenges, including delays due to land acquisition issues, noted Kochu Sankar from Trinity Enclave Residents’ Welfare Association. “Future projects must prioritize people-centric approaches and ensure comprehensive public communication.
