From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 22: After increasing the petrol and diesel rates as well as Nandini Milk prices, the Congress government is now set to increase the rates of water charges in Bengaluru.

This was indicated by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also handling Bengaluru Development and Water Resources portfolios, in Vidhana Soudha on Thursday.

“The water charges in Bengaluru have not been increased during the last 12 to 13 years and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has been managing the finances with great difficulties,” he said and indicated that the hike in water charges has become inevitable.

Shivakumar said the BWSSB will increase the water tariff. “We will go ahead whoever protests,” he declared.

The Deputy Chief Minister launched the ‘Cauvery Water Supply to 110 Villages’ programme near Vidhana Soudha.

He said Bengaluru’s 1.40 crore has to be supplied drinking water.

“The BWSSB cannot survive by raising loans and pay the salaries of staff. The board will not be able to meet the power consumption charges. Therefore, increase in water tariff has become inevitable,” he said.

Shivakumar, however, said the water tariff will not be increased to all types of consumers. No decision has been taken on the quantum of hike. “I am committed to increasing the tariff without bothering about opposition, protests or dharnas,” he said.

He said the power tariff has increased several times in the last 14 years and consequently the power bill has increased.

“There is a possibility of huge savings by starting a separate company to meet the power demands of BWSSB, which can also generate power through solar and other sources and thereby save the money. All the departments dealing with Bengaluru must join hands and prepare a joint programme. With this farsighted idea in mind, a separate company has been formed,” he said pointing that the Pavagada Solar Park has helped reducing the power generation charges to Rs 3.50 per unit.

The establishment of a separate company for meeting the power requirements of all BWSSB units will result in savings, he felt.

Shivakumar said several companies from Mumbai, including Adani Group came forward, to handle the BWSSB and its management. “I will never allow privatisation of BWSSB,” he asserted.

Pointing out that he has certain knowledge as he had handled Energy and Urban Development portfolios earlier and was presently dealing with Bengaluru Development and Water Resources, he said water and power are both equally important and vital.

He mentioned that he was asked by former Chief Minister S M Krishna had asked him to study water supply situation in other countries and he had gone to France and other countries.

“BWSSB engineers are efficient and capable to working better than foreign engineers as they know the requirements. The water supply system in France and other countries is not suitable to Bengaluru and may benefit cities like Mumbai and Delhi. After my report, the proposal of privatisation of water supply to Bengaluru was dropped,” he said.

Shivakumar expressed confidence that Mekedatu project will get the green signal from the Court. Karnataka has released additional 100 tmc of water to Tamil Nadu over and above the stipulated quantity.

“We are unable to store the surplus water. If we have another dam, water could have been impounded. I hope the State will get justice from get justice from the court,” he said.

Shivakumar disclosed that suggestions have been made to obtain water directly from KRS. There are also proposals to get water from Sharavathi, which is being opposed by the local people. The Yettinahole diversion project also impacts this proposal.

He said the Cauvery 5th phase project has been held up and will be revived.

Governor’s use of bullet proof car

The Deputy Chief Minister dismissed BJP accusation that Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot had to use bullet proof because of the Congress party.

“The police have advised the governor to use bullet proof car as BJP-JD(S) anti-social elements might throw stones at him and he has been forced the use bullet proof car because of that,” he said claiming that BJP and JD(S) are bent on creating a law and order problem to damage the reputation of the Congress government.

“We have credible information about BJP-JDS evil designs. We respect the Governor and therefore he has been given protection,” he said.

Shivakumar said BJP-JD(S) protests over the insult to the Governor is, meaningless as they have been misusing Raj Bhavan. “In a democracy, everybody has a right to protest. Those who have to be respected, must be given respect. We certainly respect the Governor,” he said criticism of the Governor for according permission to prosecute the Chief Minister is wrong and is being challenged in the High Court.