Karnataka government hints at hiking water tariff in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: After a hike in petrol and diesel prices in Karnataka, brace for a possible water tariff increase in Bengaluru.
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said on Wednesday that the water tariff has not been increased for the past 10 years and it’s time for a review.
“We are suffering huge losses. We’ve taken up new projects, and no bank is coming forward to finance the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB),” Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru development minister, said.
Last week, the state govt increased sales tax on fuel which has made petrol and diesel costlier by Rs 3 and Rs 3.5 per litre, respectively.
Finding ways to stabilise BWSSB: DKS
Asked when the water tariff hike will be announced, Shivakumar said he has asked officials to review the financial position of BWSSB and come up with a report. "Let them give a report first. We will place it before the public before taking a call. The fifth phase of Cauvery project is going to be completed. In 10-15 days, I'll ensure completion of BWSSB work in this regard. At least 70% of the water bill is incurred through power bills and labour charges. Every year, we suffer a big loss. Hence, there is no option. I am working out possibilities and discussing how to stabilize the company (BWSSB)," he added.
Justifying why the hike is imminent, he said: "Even the financing committee, World Bank, and others are telling us we are politicizing the issue and not even trying to bring it to a breakeven level. This is what various officials and international banking staffers are conveying. We must expand the water distribution system. I have now allotted 6tmc ft of more water to Bengaluru. We must undertake the work of one more phase. There is no option unless we show them that BWSSB is an independent company and works as an independent entity," he said.