Stringent Measures in Bengaluru, ₹ 5,000 Fine for Using Drinking Water in Swimming Pools

As Bengaluru grapples with a severe water crisis, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has taken strict measures to conserve drinking water. The board has now prohibited the use of drinking water in swimming pools within the city and imposed a fine of ₹5,000 for violations. This order, aimed at safeguarding the treated water for essential purposes, may potentially lead to temporary closures of pools that rely on treated water for hygiene reasons.

Earlier restrictions were placed on the use of potable water for non-essential activities, including car washing, gardening, construction, water fountains, and road maintenance. In addition to the pool ban, builders have been directed to use environmentally friendly water for construction work, reflecting the growing urgency to conserve water resources.

The city authorities have also initiated the process of replenishing groundwater sources by filling drying lakes with 1,300 million litres of treated water per day. Despite the escalating water issues, the Karnataka Government, facing criticism, asserted its inability to release water to Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the state’s dire water scarcity. 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that Karnataka would not release water even if directed by the central government, highlighting the severity of the water crisis.

In response to the ongoing challenges, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar criticized the BJP for politicizing the water scarcity issue, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address the crisis.