Twenty-Two families in India’s Bengaluru have been fined for using drinking water for non-essential activities like washing cars and gardening.
The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has collected Rs 1.1 lakh in fines from the 22 households, amounting to Rs 5,000 for each family, reports NDTV.
Earlier this month, the BWSSB had recommended an economical use of drinking water, keeping the crisis in mind. Residents were urged to avoid using drinking water for washing vehicles, construction, and entertainment purposes.
For repeat offenders, the board had decided an additional fine of Rs 500, to be imposed every time one violates the order.
During the Holi celebrations, the BWSSB has issued guidance to residents, urging them to refrain from using Cauvery and borewell water for pool parties and rain dances. Additionally, they have introduced an innovative program encouraging hotels, apartments, and industries to install aerators to curtail water consumption.
The acute water scarcity has pushed Bengaluru to the brink, compelling city dwellers to adopt measures such as working from home, utilizing disposable dishes for meals, and resorting to using toilets at malls.
The 'Silicon Valley' of India is facing a shortage of about 500 million litres of water per day (MLD) against the requirement of 2,600 MLDs, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said last week. Of the total requirement, 1,470 MLD water comes from the Cauvery River while 650 MLD is sourced from borewells, according to the Chief Minister.
