Bengaluru Water Woes: Karnataka bans the use of drinking water for washing cars or gardening, imposes a Rs 5000 fine for violators

In response to the severe water scarcity in Bengaluru, the Karnataka Water Supply and Sewerage Board (KWSSB) on Friday banned the use of drinking water for non-essential purposes that include activities like washing cars, gardening, construction work, road repairs, and maintaining public spaces. Cinema halls and malls in Bengaluru are required to restrict the use of drinking water solely for consumption. The KWSSB warned of fines for non-compliance, with violators facing penalties of ₹5,000.

“Bengaluru has a total population of close to 1.4 crore, including the floating population. It is important to meet the drinking water needs of the population. Given that the monsoon has failed and the groundwater levels have plunged, it is important to limit the use of drinking water,” states the new advisory.

The board has issued this order under the authority granted to it by the BWSSB Act of 1964. Those found violating the new order it will face a ₹5,000 fine, with repeat offenders subject to an additional ₹500 penalty along with the initial ₹5,000 fine. To report violations, citizens can contact the BWSSB helpline at 1916.

This order comes after the Bengaluru city district administration on Thursday issued a directive to set the price of tanker water following ongoing accusations of extortion by tanker owners from customers. The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board on behalf of the Bangalore Metropolitan Corporation issued a circular to standardize tanker water prices. Rates were determined by a technical committee's recommendations.