In a decisive move to combat soaring water rates and reduce Bengaluru’s heavy reliance on private suppliers, the Karnataka government has rolled out ‘Sanchari Cauvery’, a government-backed mobile water service designed to provide hygienic, budget-friendly drinking water to households.
Unveiled by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at Vidhana Soudha, the initiative aims to break the hold of the so-called “tanker cartel”, which reportedly charges exorbitant rates—up to ₹3,000 per delivery—using water sourced from over 3,000 unregulated borewells.
Through GPS-enabled tankers, the service supplies Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)-approved Cauvery water, priced at ₹660 for 4,000 litres and ₹740 for 6,000 litres. Residents can schedule deliveries via the “Kaveri on Wheels” app, now available on the Google Play Store. The water meets BIS standards and is certified by the government, setting it apart from questionable private supplies.
Shivakumar emphasized that this doorstep initiative addresses the inadequacies of the city’s official supply network, especially in newly developed and water-deficient zones. He also mentioned a ₹1,900 crore project in Nelamangala to recycle river water for rural tank replenishment and ongoing plans for Cauvery Stage VI, which has attracted financing interest from various banks.
To encourage broader access, BWSSB has slashed the deposit for new connections in small homes to ₹1,000 and introduced flexible payment terms for apartments. Security protocols around reservoirs have also been strengthened amid regional unrest.
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