By The Sampadak Express
As summer approaches, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced a ban on the use of potable water for non-drinking and non-cooking activities, including gardening, vehicle washing, maintaining swimming pools, and construction work. In an effort to conserve precious water resources, the board has warned that violators of this ban will be fined ₹5,000, with an additional ₹500 penalty per day for repeated offenses.
The move comes as the city grapples with a looming water crisis, compounded by declining groundwater levels and insufficient monsoon rainfall in the recent months. The BWSSB issued the order on Monday, directing all housing societies, residential welfare associations, and citizens to comply with these restrictions to prevent another severe water shortage like the one faced last year.
Strict Restrictions on Non-Essential Water Usage
The BWSSB’s directive specifically prohibits the use of potable water for activities such as vehicle washing, maintaining gardens and lawns, construction work, decorative fountains, and cleaning in malls and cinemas. These restrictions are being enforced under Sections 33 and 34 of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1964.
In light of this, the BWSSB has called on residents to actively report violations of these restrictions through its helpline at 1916. The board emphasized that these measures are necessary to safeguard Bengaluru’s water resources, particularly in view of the city’s rapidly declining groundwater levels.
Groundwater Depletion and the Need for Conservation
Recent studies conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have highlighted the severity of Bengaluru’s groundwater situation. The study identified 80 wards, including 110 villages, that are heavily reliant on groundwater, with some areas facing an acute risk of water shortages in the near future. The BWSSB has stressed the importance of exploring alternative water sources for these regions to avert a full-scale crisis.
The board’s efforts are further aimed at encouraging responsible water usage and promoting long-term solutions to Bengaluru’s water woes. In line with this, the BWSSB has urged residents to adopt water-saving practices and avoid unnecessary consumption of potable water, especially as the summer season intensifies water demand.
A Repeat of Last Year’s Restrictions
This is not the first time that Bengaluru has faced such restrictions. A similar ban on non-drinking water usage was imposed in March last year, but the situation now appears to be more dire. The city is already experiencing water shortages well before the peak summer months. The acute shortage has been exacerbated by a lack of adequate monsoon rainfall, leading to the depletion of over 3,000 borewells across Bengaluru.
Call for Alternative Water Solutions and Cauvery Water UseIn response to the ongoing crisis, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged Bengaluru’s residents to rely more on Cauvery water rather than depending on water tankers. The BWSSB has been actively working to expand the use of Cauvery water by facilitating new connections, encouraging both residential and commercial establishments to utilize this resource more effectively.
Conclusion: A City in Crisis
With groundwater levels rapidly declining and the demand for water on the rise, the authorities are stressing the urgency of adopting water conservation measures. The BWSSB’s new restrictions, along with the call to switch to Cauvery water, are part of a broader effort to protect Bengaluru’s water resources and prevent a repeat of last year’s severe water shortages. As the situation continues to evolve, the cooperation of citizens and residents will be crucial in ensuring that the city navigates this water crisis successfully.
