Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar hinted at a possible increase in water tariffs in Bengaluru citing the financial challenges faced by the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) on Thursday. Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru's development, emphasised the board's financial difficulties, which have hindered its ability to undertake new projects and even meet basic expenses such as power bills and employee salaries.
Shivakumar noted that the BWSSB has been operating at a loss for several years, and a water tariff hike has been under consideration for the past eight to nine years. We have to expand (supplies), save and increase the level of underground water. Population is increasing," he said, as per PTI.
While acknowledging that a tariff hike may be necessary, he clarified that it might not apply universally and that only certain sections of the population could be affected. We will look into it. We cannot hike tariffs for everyone, we may have to do it for some sections....no decision yet (on how much to hike). I will discuss in the Cabinet and with the citizens and do it," he added, as per the report.
This is not the first time Shivakumar has raised the possibility of increasing water charges; he had indicated a potential hike as early as June.
In June 2024, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar on possibility of rise in water tariff in Bengaluru told PTI, "The water tariff has not been increased in Bengaluru in the last 10 years. There has been a great loss. We have to take new projects. No bank is coming forward to finance the BWSSB. Every year we are suffering the big loss."
"The financing companies are saying that we are only politicising the issues but not trying to at least breakeven the company. I have asked the officials to examine the issue. We will put the facts in public domain and then we will take the decision," he said.