BWSSB prays for rains

BWSSB prays for rains
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Hydrologists reveal that water supply from the Arkavathy river is all but over. The Thippagondanahally reservoir and the Hessaraghatta tank are running dry and Bangalore Water Suppy and Sewerage Board rests its hopes on the Cauvery to keep the city’s taps flowing.

BWSSB chairman S.K. Patta Nayak told this website’s newspaper the board has started a mass awareness drive by providing pamphlets carrying the message of water conservation to schools and colleges. ‘‘The water requirements for an individual in the city is 100-150 litres per capita per day compared to 200 lpcd in Europe. Rivers in India are dependent on the monsoon and being an agrarian economy, a lot of water is used up for irrigation.’’

He said, ‘‘The city is growing, but water supply will go up only if there are good rains.’’

BWSSB chief engineer Guruprasad Baily said, ‘‘People must understand that if they need water this summer, they will have to conserve water. Do not use excess water for cars and gardens.’’

BWSSB officials were concerned that the many borewells popping up in new layouts would eliminate ground water. ‘‘The only solution is to pray for rains and BWSSB has to speed up laying pipes in new localities sanctioned by BDA. If it does not rain, the city is in trouble, especially with alternative water sources like ground water falling,’’ warned Patta Nayak and Baily.

Asked if the BWSSB could check water loss through old pipes, Baily said, ‘‘Old pipes are being replaced. They are supported with leakage clamps and mechanical joints, but it is wrong to think that many old pipes leak. They are functioning efficiently.’’

Baily said water theft was a problem and sought active citizen participation in preventing it. ‘‘We want more people to contact our vigilance cell. If anybody is caught stealing water from public taps or tampering with water meters, they could be imprisoned and also end up paying a fine of Rs. 10,000.’’