In response to the prevailing water scarcity in Bengaluru, a residential society has taken proactive measures, including the implementation of a Rs 5,000 penalty for residents found misusing drinking water. Additionally, dedicated security personnel will be stationed to oversee adherence to water usage regulations.
Numerous residential communities in Bengaluru have issued advisories urging caution in water consumption amidst the ongoing crisis, particularly affecting areas such as Whitefield, Yelahanka, and Kanakpura.
One such society, Palm Meadows in Whitefield, reported a cessation of water supply from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for four consecutive days, necessitating reliance on borewells and raising concerns regarding groundwater depletion.
In response to the precarious situation, Palm Meadows has decided to enforce a 20 percent reduction in water consumption per unit. Failure to meet this target will result in an additional charge of Rs 5,000, with the potential for further escalations in penalties, particularly during peak summer months. Repeat violations will incur steeper penalties, and heightened surveillance will be implemented through the hiring of dedicated security personnel.
Similarly, the Prestige Falcon City Apartment Owners Association (PFCAOA) in Kanakpura has alerted residents to water shortages exacerbated by authorities seizing water tankers. To mitigate the crisis, residents are urged to adopt water-saving measures, including refraining from using water to clean balconies and promptly addressing leakages.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has issued a stern warning to water tanker owners, threatening seizure if they fail to register with authorities by the stipulated deadline. Emphasizing the government's responsibility to manage water resources, Shivakumar announced allocations totaling Rs 556 crore to address the crisis, with plans to drill new borewells and employ idle milk tankers for water storage.
A dedicated war room has been established to monitor the situation, with senior officials overseeing operations to ensure adequate provision of drinking water. Additionally, efforts are underway to standardize water tanker prices in collaboration with industry associations.
