Karnataka govt considers water tariff hike for Bengaluru amid financial strain

The Karnataka government is considering a modest water tariff increase of one paisa per litre in Bengaluru, as announced by deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. This proposal follows a recommendation from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for a higher hike of 7-8 paise per litre.  Shivakumar, overseeing Bengaluru development, highlighted that the current tariff has not been revised since 2014 and that the BWSSB’s steep proposal was too high. The government is set to consult city MLAs before finalizing the decision. 

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The discussion arose after MLC Ramoji Gowda urged the government to speed up Cauvery water supply ahead of the summer, following last year’s water shortage and dried-up borewells. Shivakumar also announced a month-long awareness campaign for World Water Day (March 22) and a continued effort to regulate private water tankers, which he described as a growing ‘mafia’. 

Financially, BWSSB faces significant challenges. The board’s monthly expenditure is Rs 210 crore, including additional costs from the Cauvery stage V project. However, its revenue stands at Rs 129 crore, leaving a deficit of Rs 89 crore. Operational costs, electricity rates, and salaries have all increased drastically since 2014. The board projects a overall shortfall of Rs 972 crore annually, potentially escalating to Rs 4860 crore over five years. 

The proposed tariff hike aims to bridge this growing financial gap and ensure sustainable water supply to Bengaluru.