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.