Water Tariff Hike Unavoidable in Bengaluru, Says Minister DK Shivakumar
Water Tariff Hike: The deputy chief minister further said that the BWSSB may dissolve if water tariffs are not raised. This would affect its ability to provide support to its employees and manage fundamental operational expenses, such as electricity bills.
Water Tariff Hike Unavoidable in Bengaluru
Water Tariff Hike: DK Shivakumar who is the Karnataka deputy chief minister and Bengaluru development minister calls that the rise in water tariff in the city is ‘unavoidable’.
He also noted that the reason behind the hike in water tariff is because of the rise of the “ongoing financial difficulties” experienced by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
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The Deputy Chief Minister stated at the launch of the 'Cauvery water at your doorstep' campaign quoted by ANI, “There has been no water tariff hike in the last 12-13 years. The BWSSB is managing its finances with great difficulty. Water tariff hike is inevitable and it will be done irrespective of any opposition to it.”
The deputy chief minister further said that the BWSSB may dissolve if water tariffs are not raised. This would affect its ability to provide support to its employees and manage fundamental operational expenses, such as electricity bills.
He also added, “We are still determining the exact amount and the segments to which the hike will apply. It is imperative to supply water to 140 crore people of Bengaluru. It is difficult to do so without investing in a larger distribution network.”
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When asked about the decision to privatize BWSSB service, he added that past experiences showed that privatization results in an increase in cost but doesn’t result in any substantial benefits.
Shivakumar further said, “Despite many proposals and past experiences, including a study I conducted on water utility privatization in France, I am resolute in opposing privatization of public utilities.”
He also added, “ Adani and other companies have taken up responsibility for utilities in many cities including Mumbai. But I firmly told them that I would not allow the privatisation of public utilities. There have been many proposals for privatisation of utilities even during the times of JH Patel and SM Krishna.”
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