In Bengaluru, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has taken strict action against the misuse of potable water for car washing. Within just three days, they fined 22 offenders a total of Rs 1.1 lakh for this violation. The crackdown came after BWSSB issued a notice on March 10, announcing a fine of Rs 5,000 for each instance of using potable water for non-essential activities like car washing, gardening, and large construction projects.
BWSSB chairman V Ram Prasath Manohar emphasized the severity of the water crisis facing the city, highlighting the need to conserve water resources. He stated,
The city is facing a water crisis, and our orders were in line with that. We started enforcing the orders on restrictions only from Friday after carrying out awareness until then. Between Friday and today (Sunday), we have booked 22 cases a and collected spot fines from people and give them receipts like traffic police do.
The enforcement included spot fines, similar to those issued by traffic police, collected directly from offenders. While there are six major activities under scrutiny, the initial phase of enforcement has primarily targeted car washing. Manohar explained, “People are using sprays and hoses connected directly to taps and a lot of water is wasted.” Enforcement efforts were based on spot inspections and complaints from local residents.
The violations were predominantly concentrated in the southeast division, accounting for 13 out of the 22 cases and totaling Rs 65,000 in fines. The remaining cases were spread across various other divisions of the city. Despite reassurances from officials, including CM Siddaramaiah and deputy CM D K Shivakumar, about efforts to address the water scarcity issue, the crisis remains a significant concern.
Siddaramaiah,the Chief Minister of Karnataka said,
There are 14,000 borewells in Bengaluru, of which 6,900 have dried. Water bodies have been encroached or died. Bengaluru needs 2,600 MLD of water. Out of this 1,470 MLD comes from Cauvery River and 650 MLD from borewells. We have a shortage of about 500 MLD.
With both the southwestern and northeastern monsoons failing to replenish groundwater levels, BWSSB has been proactive in advocating for the prioritization of Bengaluru’s drinking water needs. As early as the second week of January, they urged the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama to reserve water for the city at the KRS and Kabini reservoirs, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable water management practices.
Reasons for water shortage in the city
One major reason is the dependence on rainfall for replenishing water sources. Bangalore receives most of its water during the monsoon season. However, in recent years, rainfall patterns have become increasingly inconsistent. Droughts and scanty rainfall have led to alarmingly low water levels in reservoirs like Cauvery. This disrupts the supply of water from these sources.
Secondly, Bangalore’s population has witnessed explosive growth. The city attracts people from all over India seeking work opportunities. This rapid urbanization has resulted in a significant increase in water demand. The existing water infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the growing needs of the population, leading to a strain on resources and ultimately depleting them.
Furthermore, unsustainable water usage practices add to the problem. Leakages in pipelines and outdated water distribution systems lead to significant wastage. Additionally, water-intensive activities like car washing with hoses or maintaining personal pools contribute to the depletion of the city’s water reserves.
Via TOI
The post 22 Car Owners Fined Rs. 1.1 Lakh In Bengaluru For Using Potable Water For Washing Cars first appeared on Cartoq.