Calling for prudent water use, Shivakumar appealed to the people not to panic and to use water judiciously without wasting it.
DK Shivakumar.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday, 4 March, addressing the mounting water crisis in Bengaluru, unveiled a comprehensive strategy to tackle the problem and prevent a potential catastrophe.
With the escalating drinking water crisis, Shivakumar presided over a meeting involving officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM), Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), and other local authorities in the city.
“Most of the talukas have been declared drought-affected. I have discussed with everyone about the possible water crisis in the next two months,” he told reporters.
“In order to address the water crisis, the fifth stage of Cauvery water supply works will be finished by the end of May. I have been informed about the water crisis in a few localities. I am personally visiting such areas to expedite the process to address various concerns including ongoing works,” said the deputy chief minister.
According to the official records, there are 16,781 borewells, of which 6,997 borewells are dry and 7,784 borewells are operating.
“We have issued an order appealing all the borewell operators to officially register till 7 May. Ward officials, RTO, the police, and others who can control — including the deputy commissioner and BESCOM — have been asked to trace out the borewells source including irrigation and commercial,” said Shivakumar.
In response to the need for additional water tankers, he said: “Milk production has been decreased. So, we have decided to mobilise the empty milk tankers for water supply, given their large size. We have already contacted KMF and milk unions across the region regarding utilising the empty tankers for two to three months or until the issue is resolved.”
He added: “I’ll wait and see how many people (tankers) register. We will provide them with registration numbers. Very low registration has been reported, amounting to a mere 10 percent.” Of over 3,500 tankers including oil tankers, only 219 have registered.
“We will take control of all the other tankers, including for milk, irrespective of its size,” said Shivakumar.
“With regard to water sources, wherever there are irrigation-purpose borewells, we are holding talks with them to pay compensation and utilise them. Water is a government right. It is not individual property, in accordance with the law,” he said.
The deputy chief minister said that he has directed the officials to identify water sources with a good groundwater table in rural areas such as Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Hoskote, and surrounding areas, adding that efforts would be made to source drinking water for the state capital even if they are far.
A call centre will be set up in BBMP and helplines will be opened even at ward levels for people to register their grievances. The BWSSB has also identified places to keep the tankers ready with water.
“I have given ₹10 crore from my grant to all the MLAs. I have asked them to prioritise water supply and some are using it for development works,” said Shivakumar.
“A total of ₹556 crore, including ₹148 crore for BBMP and ₹128 crore for BWSSB, has been allotted for drinking water purposes. This also includes the grants given to MLAs,” the deputy chief minister said, adding that there was no dearth of funds.
Shivakumar also cited altercations between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu contractors over pricing and other issues.
He said that while some are supplying tankers for ₹500, a few are supplying at ₹2,000, and assured to take measures such as fixing the rate based on kilometre, considering the sources and other factors, to prevent exploitation from the water suppliers.
“The Cauvery work is underway at a fast pace. The work is expected to be completed by the end of May, which will ensure water supply to 110 villages in and around Bengaluru. We will ask everyone to be patient and ensure the supply of Cauvery water. I have also directed the officials to fix the non-operating RO plants and restart them,” added Shivakumar.
Calling for the conservation of drinking water, he appealed to the people not to panic and to use water judiciously without wasting it.
He urged those who use bulk water for gardening and other domestic purposes, to reduce their consumption by 10-15 percent.
“In the next two to three months, irrespective of the model code of conduct, the government is committed to tackling the drought and water crisis,” said Shivakumar.
“An entire team has been entrusted with the responsibility to address burning issues including drinking water,” he added.
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