Bengaluru Water Board Bans Usage Of Potable Water For Several Activities, Imposes Fine – Details

The Bengaluru Water Board has urged citizens to use water judiciously and report any violations of the prohibitory order to its call center at 1916.

The decision comes as Bengaluru grapples with rising temperatures and a significant drop in groundwater levels due to inadequate rainfall in recent months.

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In response to escalating temperatures and rapidly depleting groundwater levels, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced stringent restrictions on the use of drinking water for non-essential purposes. The move aims to address the growing water crisis in the city and ensure equitable distribution of the limited resource.

Under the provisions of Sections 33 and 34 of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1964, the BWSSB has issued a public order prohibiting the use of potable water for activities such as washing vehicles, gardening, construction work, road maintenance, and decorative purposes like fountains, as per a report on PTI. The order also restricts the use of water for entertainment or recreational activities. However, malls and cinema halls are permitted to use water solely for drinking purposes.

To enforce compliance, the board has introduced a penalty system. First-time offenders will face a fine of Rs 5,000, while repeat violations will incur an additional Rs 500 per day until the misuse ceases. The BWSSB emphasised that these measures are crucial to prevent water wastage and ensure the availability of drinking water for all residents.

"In case of violation of prohibitory order, a fine of Rs 5,000 will be applicable for the first time offence and recurrence of this violation will result in a fine of Rs 5,000 with an additional penalty of Rs 500 per day," it stated, as per the report.

The decision comes as Bengaluru grapples with rising temperatures and a significant drop in groundwater levels due to inadequate rainfall in recent months. The board has urged citizens to use water judiciously and report any violations of the prohibitory order to its call center at 1916.

Last year, a similar order was in place as the state was reeling under a water crisis.