Govt to stop lake privatization

Govt to stop lake privatization
Thursday July 24 2008 09:30 IST

Express News Service

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BANGALORE: Minister for BWSSB, IT-BT and Information, Katta Subramanya Naidu said the Government will stop the privatisation of lakes in the city.

Speaking to the media after inspecting the water treatment plant in Torekadanahalli on Wednesday, Naidu said that the Government will review all current lake privatisation projects.

The Minister said that the present drinking water requirement of BBMP area is around 1,219 million litres a day (Mld) but only 870 Mld of water is supplied daily from Cauvery and Arkavathy. The Government will start work on the second phase of the Cauvery Water Supply Scheme, Stage IV, by December.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 3,383.70 crore will augment 500 Mld of water daily and is expected to be completed by 2011-12.

He said this along with modernisation of the three old treatment plants will ensure that Bangaloreans get daily supply of water by 2011.

Of the 19 tmc of water allocated from Cauvery to Bangalore, BWSSB is already drawing 12 tmc. The balance seven tmc will be utilised under the Cauvery Stage IV Phase-II.

He said that in addition to this, treated water from Vrishbavati and Challaghatta rivers can be utilised by commercial establishments and industry. “There is sufficient water available to provide for all Bangaloreans, we have to ensure it is effectively used,” the Minister said.