People in the city continued to grapple with water shortage even as temperatures dipped after rains. For those living at the tail-end of the supply line, there is little or no water available.
Bangaloreans continued to grapple with water shortage even as temperatures dipped after rains. For those living at the tail-end of the supply line, there is little or no water available.
Deprived of their regular quota of water, a few residents of HAL II Stage gathered to raise their voice against the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Engineers assured them immediate supply of water. They sent four water tankers to the area.
About 40 households experienced shortage of water due to a technical flaw in the pipeline. “The pipes get rusted and corroded by chlorine. Some parts near valves have to be replaced every few months to keep the water flowing. That problem has been rectified,” an assistant engineer from Jeevanbhimanagar said.
“There are 7,800 connections in this area. We are trying to distribute water to everyone equitably,” he said.
Residents alleged that while some areas were receiving plenty of water, others went dry. They wanted the BWSSB to get to the root of the matter.
Complaints continued to pour into Jeevanbhimanagar service station.
“I have received only two pots of water since morning. I have been standing by the tap and watching,” said a resident who even dropped names of a few ‘powerful’ people to coax board staff.
“We’ve been facing the same issues as the entire city. Nothing new about our situation,” said Anand MS of LIC Colony.
Residents rely heavily on tankers who cheat and overcharge. On Jeevanbhimanagar Main Road, Rangappa KB got his tank filled after calling for a tanker. “We get about half a load once a week for Rs250. There is no choice as the BWSSB supply is insufficient - water trickles for about half an hour in the evening and 15 minutes in the night,” he said.
“We have a hand pump and we are not facing water shortage. BWSSB water supply is very little,” said a resident of Kodihalli.
A group of women from Sudhamnagar 1st Main, 5th Cross, approached engineers at Jeevanbhimanagar and threatened to break valves to claim their share of water.
“A few houses in the area get plenty of water while others suffer. Valves have been installed indiscriminately and are guarded by individuals who operate it to meet their needs. Valve operators fear going near them,” said Anandi TM, a resident.
When water flows in their direction, it is full of worms and dirt. “My daughter has been suffering from diarrhoea for many days. She had to be admitted to a hospital. The water had something to do with it,” said Agnes Rani.
On the streets of Anandpura and Sudhamnagar, residents complained that some houses did not receive a drop of water while others enjoyed unlimited supply.
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