Bengaluru: Over 400 People Fined Rs 20.3 Lakh For Potable Water Misuse Amid Shortage

A resident of Vignananagar, near Doddanekkundi in east Bengaluru, was caught by BWSSB officials when he attempted to wash his scooter with water from the Cauvery river on the occasion of Ugadi.

The middle-aged man was fined Rs 5,000 for using potable water for non-essential purposes as per a report by TOI.

This incident marks the 407th case in the past month where individuals have been caught by BWSSB for misusing potable water for activities like vehicle washing and gardening.

The board has collected Rs 20.3 lakh in fines from violators so far.

Since 10 March, BWSSB has prohibited the use of potable water for vehicle washing, gardening, and large construction projects, urging the public to use treated water instead.

Acting on alerts from the public, BWSSB officials are vigilant about the misuse of potable water.

According to BWSSB chief engineer Suresh B, the public has been instrumental in reporting instances of families using potable water for non-essential purposes.

He emphasised that fines are not imposed without verification. If individuals cannot prove that they are using treated water, fines are imposed.

Of the fines issued, 90 per cent were related to vehicle washing, with the remaining 10 per cent for gardening. Repeat offenders face a higher penalty, with an additional Rs 500 for every subsequent violation.

BWSSB has clarified that their intention is not to collect fines but to prevent the wastage of potable water, especially during the current water shortages.