In a significant enforcement drive, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has disconnected a total of 70 illegal water and sewage connections across the city over the past month. The action was spearheaded by the board's specialized enforcement unit, known as the Blue Force.
Blue Force's Month-Long Crackdown
The BWSSB's Blue Force team has been actively conducting raids and inspections to identify unauthorized usage of water and sewage lines. Their operations, which have intensified in recent weeks, target both residential and commercial properties that have bypassed legal procedures to tap into the city's water and drainage networks.
The disconnections included 45 illegal water connections and 25 unauthorized sewage connections. These illegal links were found in various parts of Bengaluru, highlighting a persistent problem of infrastructure misuse. The board has emphasized that such actions not only lead to revenue loss but also strain the already pressured water supply system and damage sewerage infrastructure.
Addressing Revenue Loss and Infrastructure Damage
The primary motivation behind this crackdown is twofold: to recover lost revenue for the utility provider and to protect the city's critical water and sewage infrastructure. Illegal connections often lead to unaccounted-for water, which exacerbates the supply shortage for legitimate consumers. Furthermore, unauthorized sewage hookups can cause blockages, overflows, and environmental contamination.
Officials stated that property owners found with illegal connections are not only disconnected but also face penalties and legal action. The BWSSB has urged citizens to regularize their connections by applying through the proper channels to avoid such enforcement actions.
A Continuous Vigilance Campaign
The formation of the Blue Force itself is a part of BWSSB's strategy to strengthen vigilance and ensure compliance. This dedicated team operates based on specific complaints, data analysis of usage patterns, and routine area surveys. The recent success of disconnecting 70 links in one month demonstrates the team's active role and the scale of the issue.
The board has also launched public awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to report suspected illegal connections. They assure informants that their identities will be kept confidential. This move aims to create a collaborative effort between the civic body and the public to safeguard Bengaluru's water resources.
With Bengaluru perennially facing water challenges, especially during summer months, the BWSSB's actions signal a stricter approach towards conservation and equitable distribution. The crackdown is expected to continue as the board seeks to plug revenue leaks and ensure that the city's water and sewage systems function efficiently for all lawful users.
