BWSSB advances Cauvery Stage 6 Project for Bengaluru’s growing water needs

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is progressing with the Cauvery Stage 6 project to address the city’s future water demands. Following the successful implementation of Cauvery Stage 5 last year, the board now plans to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the state government by the end of this month. The DPR, prepared by a private company, has been reviewed and approved by the BWSSB.

The project proposes sourcing 500 million litres per day (MLD) of water from the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) reservoir, about 140 km from Bengaluru. This additional water, equivalent to six TMC annually, is estimated to cost ₹5,177 crore based on 2023-24 rates.

Also read: Karnataka set to launch Cauvery Phase 5 water supply project on October 16

A water treatment plant and reservoir will be built near Katteri village, close to the KRS reservoir, at ₹900.20 crore. The treated water will be transported 82 km to Devarahosahalli through an advanced hydraulic system costing ₹2,206 crore.

From Devarahosahalli, a pumping station and reservoir worth ₹1,100 crore will push the water 43 km to RajaRajeswari Medical College. Another facility near the NICE Road junction in Kengeri, costing ₹910 crore, will transport water 32 km to GKVK’s urban reservoir for final distribution.

The project aims to benefit Shivaram Karanth Layout, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, and towns like Devanahalli, Hoskote, Anekal, Bidadi, and Nelamangala where local bodies will handle distribution in these areas.

BWSSB is exploring funding options with international organizations, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, JICA, and HUDCO to implement this project.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has reportedly expressed support for the project, which has already received DPR approval from the BWSSB and will soon be presented to the government.

With an estimated completion cost exceeding ₹5,000 crore, Cauvery Stage 6 is set to play a critical role in ensuring Bengaluru’s water security in the coming years.