Bengaluru, 5 April

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has revealed that several government departments, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), are among the largest defaulters of water bills, collectively owing more than Rs 187 crore in unpaid dues.

This revelation comes at a time when BWSSB is planning to raise water tariffs, citing rising operational costs and mounting financial losses. Meanwhile, ordinary residents, facing declining groundwater levels, are penalised for even minor delays in bill payments, highlighting the stark disparity in the system.

BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar confirmed that the total outstanding amount from government departments exceeds the utility's monthly revenue, with penalties and interest pushing the arrears to around Rs 190 crore. Defaulters include the BBMP, Department of Education, Health, Horticulture, Police, Forest, and Animal Husbandry departments, despite these bodies being well-funded and public-facing.

In contrast, residents who delay payments by more than three months face water disconnections. This has sparked public outrage, with citizens questioning why they should bear the brunt of tariff hikes while government entities continue to default without consequence.

To address the arrears, BWSSB is launching a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, offering defaulters the opportunity to clear their dues with a waiver on accumulated interest. Notices have already been served, and further details of the scheme will be announced soon.