The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has introduced a new instalment-based payment scheme aimed at expanding access to piped Cauvery water for apartment associations and housing societies that have not yet been connected to the city’s water supply network. The initiative is being implemented under the direction of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru development. The scheme is expected to be officially launched after April 15.

The payment plan has been designed to reduce the financial burden on households and residential communities by allowing them to spread the cost of water connection charges over a period of time. Under the new system, property owners are required to pay 20 per cent of the total charges upfront. These charges include pro-rata costs, meter expenses, inspection fees, and line extension costs, if applicable. The remaining 80 per cent can be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments. This approach is intended to make it easier for more residents to gain access to the city’s BIS-certified drinking water supply.

In a separate effort to address water scarcity and regulate the water tanker market, the BWSSB has launched a web-based mobile adaptive platform. This new system allows residents to book water tankers online at fixed government-approved rates, eliminating the need for middlemen and reducing the risk of overcharging.

The platform is integrated with BWSSB’s services and enables consumers to schedule tanker deliveries, make payments online, and receive water within a specified timeframe. This digital approach aims to improve accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in water delivery, especially for areas not yet covered by the piped network.

News source: Hindustan Times