Bengaluru Water Crisis: Karnataka Govt Bans Non-Essential Water Usage, Imposes ₹5000 Fine

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With the water crisis in Bengaluru getting worse, the Karnataka government has issued a ban on the use of drinking water for various purposes. This ban, announced on Friday, includes activities such as washing cars, gardening, construction, and maintenance. The Karnataka Water Supply and Sewerage Board (KWSSB) have also implemented a fine of ₹5,000 for anyone who violates this ban.

This decision comes on the heels of the Bengaluru city administration fixing price caps for water tankers on Thursday, determined by the quantity of water and the distance of delivery. The city is currently facing a severe water shortage, even at the beginning of summer, leaving residents struggling to find a sufficient water supply. With a limited number of relief tankers available and more than 3000 borewells dried up across the city, the situation is exacerbated by the significant deficiency caused by low rainfall during the past monsoon season.

To address the crisis, apartment complexes and gated communities in the tech hub have begun implementing regulations for intelligent water usage, imposing restrictions to conserve water. Concerned residents have taken to social media to share notices from their societies, indicating that there is a scarcity of water.

The Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka has been seeking drought relief from the Centre for several months and has conducted meetings to devise strategies to combat the severe water shortage. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritize water-related projects and focus on irrigation. The issue has also triggered a political dispute between the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya from the BJP has warned of protests in front of the Vidhana Soudha if the authorities fail to promptly address the drinking water crisis in Bengaluru.

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Malika Sahni