Updated – March 11, 2024 10:59 AM IST
Published Date – 11th March 2024 10:12 AM IST – Bangalore
A day after the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) issued an order banning use of drinking water sources (Cauvery river and tube wells) for non-essential purposes and imposing a fine of Rs 5,000 for violations, residents of single-family houses expressed concern over the lack of alternative sources of water that can be used for non-potable purposes.
The order states that drinking water cannot be used to wash cars or water plants. While many apartment residents have access to water from wastewater treatment plants (STPs), which is usually reused, single-family homes have no such option.
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“Groundwater is a shared resource, so when we built our house decades ago, our plan had decided not to dig an individual well. Our house gets only water from the Cauvery river. Like every other house in Bangalore, we have a small garden, but in this heat, it will wither without water. So, we have to continue using Cauvery water for our plants, while being mindful of water usage,” said a resident of Dodda Bommasandra.
Moreover, citizens are wondering how the BWSSB will check if anyone is using Cauvery river, borewell water or any other water for purposes other than drinking.
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“As per the Easement Act, 1884, groundwater belongs to the owner. If I have a borewell, I am not going to hand over the water to the state. The government cannot just make rules and tell people not to use water. How will they know what water we are using,” questioned Sneha Nandihar, a resident of Indiranagar.
Referring to the PIL petition filed by the Citizens Action Forum (CAF), CAF member Vijayan Menon raised an important question: “To whom does groundwater belong? Such rules cannot be implemented. Appealing to people to conserve water is the approach that should be taken. The government is trying to do something just for appearances.”
BWSSB chairman Ram Prasat Manohar clarified that while there will not be a total ban on water use for non-consumer purposes, “water usage will have to be minimised temporarily.”
“Personal households can use buckets of water for cleaning, but do not use a hose to wash your car. You can also use a little water on plants. The key is not to waste water,” Manohar said.
Asked about enforcement, he said BWSSB meter readers would patrol their areas early in the morning and late at night to check for any violations. He urged residents to report any violations they spot around them. “We will send out teams, check and penalise any violations,” he said.
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