Bengaluru: In response to the escalating water crisis in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government took decisive measures on Friday by prohibiting drinking water for various non-essential purposes. The ban encompasses car washing, gardening, construction, and maintenance. To enforce compliance, the Karnataka Water Supply and Sewerage Board (KWSSB) introduced a stringent fine of ₹5,000 for violations.
This action follows the Bengaluru city administration’s recent implementation of price caps for water tankers, taking into account the quantity of water and delivery distance. The severity of the water shortage in the city, exacerbated by more than 3,000 dried-up borewells and insufficient rainfall in the previous monsoon season, has prompted urgent measures.
Amidst the crisis, apartment complexes and gated communities in the tech hub have initiated regulations on water usage, imposing restrictions to conserve resources. Some residents have taken to social media to share notices from their societies, warning about the dwindling water supply. The Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka has been actively seeking drought relief from the Central government, emphasizing the need for assistance in addressing the acute water scarcity.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, during a key meeting, stated the government’s commitment to prioritize water-related projects and focus on irrigation in response to the crisis. The situation has not only triggered concerns about the immediate water supply but has also become a point of contention between the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, representing the BJP, warned of potential protests in front of the Vidhana Soudha if the government fails to address the drinking water crisis in Bengaluru promptly. The ongoing water crisis underscores the urgent need for comprehensive water management strategies. It highlights the importance of cooperation between the state and central authorities in mitigating the challenges posed by dwindling water resources.
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