‘Save Water, Grow Bangalore’ campaign; Use water judiciously: advises DK Shivakumar
BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that we all should use water responsibly and judiciously in times of drought.
He launched the ‘Save Water, Grow Bangalore’ campaign and released four mobile applications developed by BWSSB for groundwater and water conservation.
‘Bangalore city is reeling without rain this year. 6,900 tube wells in the city have dried up and remaining 7,000 tube wells are functioning. Thus awareness should be created about judicious use of water. Efforts are being made to monitor the use of borewell water. “Anyone should get permission from BWSSB to drill a new borewell,” he said.
Officials have registered private tankers in Bengaluru and the government has fixed subsidized rates for the tankers. “By registering the tankers, they have effectively stopped the trade that was going on in the name of tanker water supply,” he said.
The government is managing the water scarcity situation well. Due to the upcoming general election there is a lot of publicity and politicization going on on this issue. We should not worry about it and make a sincere effort to solve the problem. He said that no matter what the election code of conduct comes, we will ensure that drinking water does not become a problem.
He directed the authorities to take necessary measures to supply water wherever there is shortage of water.
BWSSB President Dr. V. Ram Prasat Manohar spoke and explained about the current water problem in the city and said that the water problem can be solved only if the public cooperates.
Water price hike?
Shivakumar, who hinted at an increase in water rates in the coming days, said that the water rates have not been increased in the last 10 years. From the day I took charge of this department I am determined to strengthen BWSSB. “We will take a decision after the general elections,” he said.
