Government fixes tanker prices, imposes huge fine as water scarcity continuous in Bengaluru

Amid ongoing water crisis in Karnataka, the Water Supply and Sewerage Board has banned the usage of drinking water for car washing, gardening, construction, water fountains and road construction and maintenance. The board has also imposed a fine of Rs 5000, if the order is violated.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: People collect water from water tanks as the city faces water crisis

Amidst the water crisis, the Karnataka Water Supply and Sewerage Board banned the usage of drinking water for car washing, gardening, construction, water fountains & road… pic.twitter.com/U1iQgYsEQu

— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2024

Fixes water tanker prices

Before this on Thursday, the district administration of Bengaluru issued an order to fix the prices of the water tankers following persistent allegations that tanker owners are extorting customers. Following the order, the prices for the tankers have been fixed and will be charged varying upon the distance.

According to the administration, the cost of the water tanker will vary upon distance.

For distance up to 5 km

• A 6000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 600.
• For 8000-litre water tanker a person needs to pay the cost of Rs 700.
• For 12,000-litre water tanker will be available at the cost of Rs 1000.

For the distance between 5 and 10 km

• A 6000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 750.
• An 8000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 850.
• And a 12,000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 1200.

Drought prone area declared

Following water crisis in the state, all taluks of Bengaluru city district have been declared drought-prone, by the collectors. In addition to this, private tankers supplying water will come under GST, and GST will be added to these rates.

As the city facing the water scarcity, the Karnataka chief minister, deputy chief minister and legislative assembly held a key meeting to address the issue, earlier this week and asserted that the government would prioritize irrigation and water management projects over other works. In addition to this, the tanker owners were asked to register themselves by March 7, else they will seize them. 

Notably, out of 3,500 water tankers only 10%, that is 219 tankers were registered with authorities.