Shivakumar warns that non-registered water tankers in Bengaluru will be seized due to water crisis
Bengaluru, March 5 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has issued a warning to water tanker owners/operators in the city. He stated that the government will seize their tankers if they fail to register with the authorities before the deadline of March 7.
Speaking at a press conference at the BBMP office in Bengaluru, Shivakumar highlighted the looming water crisis in the state capital. He emphasized that out of 3,500 water tankers in the city, only 219 have registered with the authorities. The government is ready to seize unregistered tankers to ensure proper management of water distribution.
According to Shivakumar, water is a resource that should not be owned by individuals. The government is taking steps to supply water from areas with abundant groundwater. Currently, the BWSSB is operating 210 tankers to address the water scarcity issue.
A total of Rs 556 crore has been allocated to tackle the water crisis in Bengaluru. Each MLA in the city has been granted Rs 10 crore to manage water scarcity in their respective constituencies. Additionally, the BBMP and BWSSB have earmarked Rs 148 crore and Rs 128 crore respectively to address the issue.
To address complaints regarding water shortage, the government has established BBMP helplines and ward-wise grievance centers in the city. A ‘war room’ has also been set up for real-time monitoring of the situation, with senior officials and Shivakumar himself overseeing the daily operations.
Shivakumar emphasized the seriousness of the water crisis in Bengaluru and urged the public to use water judiciously. He advised against using drinking water for non-essential activities like gardening and car washing, suggesting the use of treated water for other purposes.
