The New Indian Express 21.05.2010
BWSSB in troubled waters
BANGALORE: Political affiliation and ward notwithstanding, corporators breathed fire over water problems in Bangalore.
A special meeting of the BBMP council was held on Wednesday to discuss water problems in the city.
The councillors were unanimous in saying that their wards were not getting sufficient water and that people were unhappy with the sewage system.
“All our happiness and enthusiasm of becoming the corporator is lost within one month,” said Vijnananagara councillor, Geetha. She blamed Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for their misery. Councillor of Peenya Industrial Estate, Thimnanjaiah, had brought two bottles of water to show how contaminated the groundwater is in his ward.
JD(S) floor leader, Padmanabha Reddy, said the BWSSB had announced that it would sink two borewells in every ward to augment water supply. Firstly, he said, no work has been taken even a month after the promise. Further, he asked how could two borewells suffice for the need of an entire ward. All the councillors wanted least 10 borewells for each ward.
They complained that valvemen and BWSSB officials demand bribe for water connection and other services. Also, they alleged that private water tankers engaged by BWSSB supplied water only to those who paid them. Former mayor, K Chandrashekar, wanted BWSSB to bring Krishna River water to the city. He said the government should explore the possibility of supplying 12 TMC water from Hogenakkal to the city.
Opposition leader, M Nagaraj, suggested BWSSB should pump water of Hemavathy River from Solur. He criticised the government for planning to set up an IT park in 2,000 acres in the Arkavathy catchment area.
Councillors wanted BWSSB to improve sewage system in their areas and lay new pipelines in the newlyadded areas. Yeshwanthpur councillor, Munirathnam, said he could solve the drinking water crisis in his ward if BBMP allowed him to dig the road for it.
Mayor S K Nataraj came to the meet 40 minutes after it started. Deputy Mayor, Dayanand, presided over in his absence. The meeting will continue on Thursday.
