Power to BWSSB will rid Bangalore of water problems

Frequent disruptions in power flow to BWSSB pumping stations has affected water supply in the city. Finally, water engineers have come up with a permanent solution to the issue — installing a 220kv transformer in Tataguni power station.

“BWSSB had a 220kv transformer earlier but it switched to 66kv later. Due to overload, the transformer would shut down. So we are planning to go back to the 220kv transformer,” an engineer said.

BWSSB and KPTCL engineers met minister Suresh Kumar on Monday to discuss possible solutions to ensure continuous power supply to the three pumping stations at Tataguni, Harohalli and TK Halli. KPTCL has agreed to install a 100mv transformer in Somanahalli. However, the details will be finalised after the two teams inspect the sites on Wednesday.

“On Monday, we are still feeling the effects of the one-and-half hour power shut down that happened on Saturday. Every drop has to be pumped into the city. We need a permanent solution to the power problem. So BWSSB and KPTCL engineers will go to Somanahalli to arrive at a solution,” the minister said.

There is no shortage of water in the sources, but the city’s pipes are inadequate to quench the thirst of all its residents, he said. In summer, the demand goes up by 15% to 20% which puts additional pressure on the board. Cauvery IV Stage II Phase is expected to alleviate the crisis. It is likely to be completed by December and trials could begin January onwards, he said.

“The project should have started in 2006 but it finally took off in 2009,” he said.

With the arrival of the additional 500mld of water after the completion of the Rs3,500 project, the 110 villages will also get water. About 167km pipelines are being laid in these areas, he said.

The board is awaiting a report from its nine-member expert committee formed to identify alternative sources of water to the city. Reviving Arkavathy is also being looked into. A sum of Rs5 crore has already been released for the same, the minister said.

The board is pushing for rainwater harvesting in residences and open spaces like parks. However, recharging of borewells is not being done as there is a risk of ground water getting polluted, said board chairman PB Ramamurthy.

“We are trying out rainwater harvesting to recharge groundwater on an experimental basis in some areas.  We are not doing it on a large scale as there is the danger of sewage seeping in and contaminating ground water,” he said.