BWSSB charging for no water given: Residents

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: The city of Bengaluru is reeling under an acute water shortage, as summer edges closer – Depleting groundwater levels, bore wells failing and tankers charging exorbitant rates has put everyone in a predicament.

However, residents in Ward 103 Whitefield in East Bengaluru are the worst hit, reports say.

In addition, a few have alleged that despite no water supply, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) have charged them, failing which they were levied late penalty charges.

A resident who lives in an apartment in Whitefield has alleged that the meter provided by the water board has stopped working since December last year.

The resident, who wanted to maintain anonymity said, “Despite being charged around Rs. 2000 for water supply, the meter hasn’t moved for a very long time.

It was alleged that the authorities had not looked at this issue. Documents accessed by News Trail show that in a bill, Rs. 1732 is under “water charges’, Rs. 500 for Meter Charges, totalling to Rs. 2232.

Sanitary charges, in which waste water is treated is Rs. 3225.

“Despite repeated requests to slash the water charges on not receiving supply, we were threatened and later were given a late fee.

The bill also shows Rs.5,457 plus interest on arrears, totalling to Rs.11,080. The bill also shows ‘suspected meter stop,’ but not allegedly been acted upon.

The resident claims that the BWSSB officials had suggested they change their meter location to avoid meter stoppages.

“However, there’s no one to further guide us to another contractor,” the resident concluded.

Danny Venkatesh, who claims to live in an independent house on Whitefield Main Road, claims that the consumption record, despite no supply, will be recorded by the BWSSB.

Venkatesh alleges, “The government officials are orally told not to record zero consumptiom." he added, alleging that the officials do it to show higher-ups supply is prompt, which in reality is the opposite.

Chief Engineer of the BWSSB B Suresh, and Chief Engineer (East) Kumar Naik were not available for response.