BWSSB launches EMI scheme for Cauvery water connections

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to launch an EMI scheme for apartment complexes and other buildings in Bengaluru, allowing them to obtain Cauvery water connections with minimal upfront costs. Starting this Friday, property owners can pay just 20% of the connection charges as a down payment, with the remaining amount payable in 12 equal monthly installments. This initiative aims to extend Cauvery water connections to around 3,500 apartment complexes and one lakh other properties, including commercial establishments. BWSSB expects to generate revenue of nearly Rs 800 crore through this scheme.

The EMI scheme comes as part of the Cauvery Stage V project, launched in October 2024, which aims to supply Cauvery water to 110 villages added to Bengaluru’s BBMP limits in 2008. While the project anticipates 3.5 lakh connections, only about 98,000 properties have applied so far. BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar V highlighted that the scheme would ease the financial burden on property owners, encouraging more to apply for water connections. The initiative also aims to reduce groundwater over-exploitation through borewells. Once the 20% down payment is made, property owners will receive their connections within 20 days, with the remaining balance added to their water bills over the next year.

The scheme is expected to benefit many apartment complexes that previously delayed applying due to high charges.