The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is collecting over ₹18 crore monthly solely from penalties imposed on water users in Bangalore. This represents a significant increase from ₹8 crore collected in 2022-23.
The surge in penalties is attributed to stricter enforcement of regulations regarding illegal water connections, misuse of water, and failure to install rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems where mandated. BWSSB has intensified its inspection drives, identifying and penalizing unauthorized usage, particularly by commercial establishments and construction sites.
Key violations leading to penalties include unauthorized connections, exceeding sanctioned water limits, and non-compliance with RWH rules. Penalties range from a few thousand rupees to substantial amounts depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
Between April 2023 and January 2024, BWSSB detected 1,889 illegal connections, resulting in a penalty collection of ₹8.6 crore. Another ₹5.8 crore was collected from 1,349 cases of water misuse. Furthermore, ₹4.3 crore was collected from 1,084 properties that failed to implement RWH systems despite being required to do so.
The increased revenue from penalties is being utilized to fund infrastructure improvements and address water scarcity issues in the city. BWSSB officials state that the primary goal isn’t revenue generation, but rather to encourage responsible water usage and deter illegal practices.
Despite the increased enforcement, water demand continues to outstrip supply in many areas of Bangalore, particularly during the summer months. BWSSB is exploring alternative water sources and implementing water conservation measures to address the growing water crisis. The board is also considering increasing water tariffs, but this is a politically sensitive issue. The focus remains on reducing non-revenue water (water lost through leaks and theft) and ensuring equitable distribution.
