We have been facing a water problem for the last 22 years, say residents
Following an emergency shutdown of the Cauvery water supply treatment plant as well as pumping stations at TK Halli and Tatagun, areas falling under Cauvery water supply scheme stage 3 are facing a water cut today.
The water supply will be disrupted from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. The disruption will affect people living in areas like Banashankari, Laal Baagh road, MG road, Cubbon Park and Gandhinagar among others.
Amid supply disruptions, many will be unable to afford expensive tankers for daily activities.
Mangla K., a resident from Banashankari, said: “I use Cauvery water for everything. Now, it’s very tough since the water supply has stopped. Earlier the tanker was 800 rupees. Now it has increased to 1000. I cannot afford it. It’s getting tough to manage.”
The disruption has also made it difficult for the residents to store water.
Mariyamma from Banashankari, said: “This is happening for the first time. I don’t know when it’ll come back. Although, we did store it after listening to people talk about the cut. However, it was very tough. We cannot keep doing it.”
Jai Krishna, a Cubbon Park resident revealed that the situation isn’t new for them. “We have been facing a water problem for the last 22 years. Public representatives give us false assurances that everything will be alright. We have to somehow manage,” he said.
Rhea Sharma, another resident, with sheer frustration, said: “We had to fill up buckets last night for use today. Even then, we are utilizing water cautiously as there’ll be a disruption till 9 p.m. today.”
Bangalore water supply and sewage board (BWSSB) claims maintenance work to be the reason behind supply disruptions. They say there is no alternative arrangement and that repair work is going to take place.
Ramesh S V, Chief Engineer, BWSSB, explains the need for maintenance. “Our pumps are running every moment day and night. That’s why we need some repair work. Every day, we are pumping 1,500 ml. Today there is a scarcity of 130-140 ml. Our pipeline is supplying in bulk throughout the city. We are not in a position to provide an alternative arrangement,” he said.
He further said that tankers have been supplying water to the residents. Residents however, denied the presence of any such arrangements.
Experts talk about the problems with water supply in Bengaluru.
Raghavendra B, activist, working for water rights, Action Aid, said: “People downstream have right to water like us. You cannot be extending any other pipelines. Four pipelines are already being laid. Still we are thirsty in Bangalore. At least 135 litres water should be provided per day. But presently the government is able to provide only 55 litres per day. All of a sudden if these things happen without a notice, it will force people to drink dirty water, which will eventually spread more diseases. The government should surely look after it and provide an alternative, particularly for people living in the slums.”
