Another shot at saving water -Bangalore-Cities-The Times of India

Another shot at saving water -Bangalore-Cities-The Times of India

Come November, rainwater harvesting will be mandatory in new constructions on sites 30 ft x 40 ft and larger if the proposed amendment
to the BWSSB Act is passed. Soon, all BWSSB offices, Lalbagh and Cubbon Park will have rain harvesting systems and there will be one theme park at Jayanagar 5th Block on rainwater harvesting . Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa will initiate the project in November first week.

Minister in-charge of water supply board development Katta Subramanya Naidu told reporters on Monday that Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for rainwater harvesting in the budget. He said it is imperative that conservation of water be given top priority. "We'll take all measures for this," he added. If this water conservation system succeeds in the city, then it will also be successful anywhere.

Naidu, who visited Jayanagar, said the area has several damaged water supply lines. The BWSSB has reviewed the situation and will replace old pipelines in next two years in a phased manner. Tenders have been called to replace 12 km of pipelines.

The lakes under BBMP, BDA and BMRDA areas will be developed and utilized by the BWSSB. There are around 278 lakes over 40 hectares, 406 lakes less than 40 hectares and around 144 lakes under the forest department. All these will be developed and be turned into tourist spots. Tenders have been floated for 29 lakes.

Grievance meets
In an effort to improve services, BWSSB engineers will hear grievances from the public on all working days from 8 am to 1 pm from Wednesday. Naidu said all official work could be done between 2 and 5 pm.

This meet will be organized in all BWSSB offices. The chief engineer and the executive engineers will supervise the schedule.