Like many parts of the city, the sight of private water tankers travelling to and fro in SG Palya has become a common sight, thanks to acute water shortage as well as the officials of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Residents here claim foul play and state that they smell a nexus between the BWSSB and the water mafia.

Water shortage is a perennial problem in this locality and with the onslaught of the summer heat, the problem worsens. Leena Parvathy, a housewife residing in 4th cross said, “We are supposed to get water every alternative day. But currently, the problem is that the force of the water is unbelievably low. The man in charge of releasing the water releases it between 8 pm to 10 pm. But since the force is very low, it becomes very difficult for us to manage.” Voicing a different problem, Rajeev, another resident said, “In 6th cross and 7th cross, the water comes at odd hours, say 3 am. It has become difficult to keep track of the timings.”

A few residents had registered their complaint with the corporation, but no solution came across. On the other hand, the person in-charge of releasing water claims that once he releases the water, some one switches it off! He along the residents claim that this mischief is carried out by owners of private tankers.

Sujith says, “How will they make money if there is continuous flow of water? This is the only way that can make money.”

Lack of Cauvery water supply, poor borewell maintenance, dysfunctional borewells, water leakage and improper restoration of roads dug up to lay underground drainage lines are the issues hovering over BWSSB and Bangalore city.

When City Express tired to reach the concerned engineers, they were unavailable for comments.