The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has appealed for support from Bengaluru’s MLAs and MPs to revise water tariffs, which have remained unchanged since 2014. With operational costs outstripping revenues, BWSSB Chairman Ram Prashanth Manohar emphasized the need for increased tariffs to sustain operations and support expansions like the recently inaugurated Cauvery Stage V project.
Key Financial Challenges
- Current Expenditure vs Revenue: Monthly expenses are ₹210 crore, against revenues of ₹129 crore, leading to a deficit of ₹81 crore.
- Rising Operational Costs: Electricity expenses have increased by 107.3%, and overall operational costs by 122.5% since 2014.
- Future Deficit Projections: The annual revenue shortfall, currently ₹972 crore, is expected to reach ₹4,860 crore within five years.
Cauvery Stage V: Addressing Water Needs
Commissioned in October 2024, Cauvery Stage V aims to supply water to 110 villages covering 225 sq. km.
- Adds 500 MLD to Bengaluru’s supply, bringing the city closer to meeting its growing water demand, which is projected to reach 2,900 MLD by 2031.
- The project involves high operational costs due to water pumping over an elevation of 450 meters and a distance of 86 km.
Historical Context
- Stages I-IV: From 1974 to 2012, the Cauvery Water Supply Scheme (CWSS) added 1,310 MLD in installed capacity.
- Stage V Investment: ₹4,300 crore, funded by a combination of state resources and a ₹3,000-crore loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- Future Plans: A proposed Stage VI will add another 500 MLD to bridge the demand-supply gap.
Current Tariffs
- Domestic consumers pay ₹7-45 per kiloliter, while non-domestic rates are ₹50-87 per kiloliter.
- Fixed minimum charges are ₹56 (domestic) and ₹500 (non-domestic).
Water Access Inequities
- Core urban areas receive more water than peripheral villages, where the supply averages 40-45 liters per capita per day (LPCD), far below the target of 150 LPCD.
- Residents in peripheral areas depend heavily on private tankers and borewells.
Way Forward
The BWSSB’s financial sustainability is critical to addressing Bengaluru’s water challenges. A revision in tariffs, along with efficient project management and equitable water distribution, will be essential to meet the city’s growing needs and avoid further operational setbacks.
Read Also;
Bengaluru’s Water Crisis: Polluted Rivers and Failing Solutions
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