Bengaluru

Bengaluru’s water crisis has pushed the city to its edge with people forced to pay heavy fines for “misusing” water. Amid water shortages in the “Silicon Valley of India”, residents were charged with fines for using water for non-essential activities like washing cars and gardening. 

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The impact of fine and strict guidelines was visible during Holi celebrations as most of the city celebrated a dry Holi this year. As per the city’s water supply board, 22 families were fined for using drinking water for non-essential activities and each family paid a Rs 5000 (approx. $60) fine.

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The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) said on Tuesday that it has collected ₹ 1.1 lakh(approx. $1320) in fines from 22 households. The fines were collected from different areas of the city, with the highest coming from the southern region.

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Holi in Bengaluru amid acute water shortages

Before Holi, the BWSSB recommended an economical use of drinking water and urged residents to avoid using drinking water for washing vehicles, construction, and entertainment purposes. 

For repeat offenders, the board had decided an additional fine of Rs 500 to be imposed every time one violates the order.

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During Holi celebrations, BWSSB advised residents not to use water from the Cauvery River and borewell for pool parties and rain dances. It has also introduced an innovative programme where they encouraged hotels, apartments and industries to install aerators to reduce water consumption. 

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Residents of Bengaluru faced a tough decision, but they had to innovate to celebrate a waterless Holi on Monday. Event organisers utilised vibrant colours creatively, organising diverse activities while adhering to the administration's directive to avoid rain dances and water-centric events.

Bengaluru water crisis

The Indian city of Bengaluru, situated in the Karnataka state has been facing acute water shortage due to critical population influx, as per BWSSB. Residents are asked to work from home, eat in disposable dishes and use toilets at malls to save water.

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The city board also cautioned against the rising temperature and emphasised on the importance of saving drinking water.

While explaining the dire situation in the city, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that out of the 14,000 borewells in Bengaluru, 6,900 have dried out. Furthermore, the administration is currently facing a shortage of at least 500 million litres of water per day (MLD).

(With inputs from agencies)