Water woes continue in Bengaluru, but the residents in the eastern part of the city have highlighted how successive governments and the water supply board have failed to address the crisis.
Residents of Mallappa layout and neighbouring areas in Horamavu were promised Cauvery water connection in 2017 when Siddaramaiah was the chief minister (2013-2018). They also paid for the water connection and got meters fixed for water supply, which was promised to be delivered in the next two years but is yet to be fulfilled.
“Siddaramaiah, when he was CM in 2013-18, had promised a Cauvery water connection in 2017. This wasn’t fulfilled because of the pandemic, we understand that, but what happened after that? People have paid beneficiary contribution charges and nothing has happened yet; I don’t know why this bias towards us. Nothing much is happening,” said Shrikanth, a resident of Mallappa layout.
“We have got the Cauvery water connection but there has been no supply. They have been giving dates but nothing has happened. What about the money they have taken? There is water in the borewells but nobody is trying to revive them. The private water tankers, which we are dependent on, take their own time to come and supply water. We, too, want to know when they will start Cauvery water,” questioned another resident.
Defunct borewells, negligence in renovation
Similar to other layouts in East Bengaluru, the borewells in Mallappa layout have completely dried up due to depletion of groundwater levels. The layout consists of 10 borewells, of which only one is functional forcing the residents to depend on water tankers.
“Around six borewells were dug up in our layout in the last decade. Only one is functional. We have been requesting for the borewells to be renovated, but the authorities say there is some fund crunch. We have given repeated representations to them. Sufficient funds have not been allocated,” said Shrikanth, alleging negligence on part of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
Many other residents who have expressed their concerns said they do not have water for toilets, bathing and other purposes. Many have even had to skip work due to the crisis.
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