The Hindu 15.12.2009
Separate tariff planned for potable, non-potable water
Staff Reporter
BANGALORE: A dual paid model for water supply will be introduced soon to rationalise water usage in Bangalore, said BWSSB, IT and Excise Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu here on Monday.
Speaking at the three-day National Conference on Urban Water Management (NCUWM), organised here by the Centre for Sustainable Development, the Minister said potable and non-potable water would be separately supplied to water consumers in Bangalore. This system will help people use water rationally, Mr. Naidu added.
Further, he said that water crisis could be mitigated with rainwater harvesting.
Stressing the need for sustainable water management, A. Ravindra, Adviser to the Chief Minister, who presided, said: “Water accounts for 80 per cent of the diseases. A child succumbs to water-borne diseases every eighth second.”
He said providing fresh water to all is a challenge, as issues related to consumers, technical, financial and managerial need to be addressed.
Presenting his views on water preservation methods applied by the Bavarian Environment Agency, Ing Albert Gottle, president, BEA, expressed the need to prevent water contamination.
Prof. Gottle said that polluting industries need to pay for water treatment, and that public needs to be informed on water conservation.
An exhibition showcasing the latest technologies in water management was inaugurated by P.B. Ramamurthy, Chairman, BWSSB, and Sandeep Dave, Managing Director Karnataka Urban Water and Sewerage Development Board (KUWSDB).
