Bengaluru Water crisis: Four apps launched to tackle water crisis
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has introduced four mobile-responsive web applications as part of its efforts to address the ongoing water crisis in Bengaluru. These apps aim to streamline water management and conservation initiatives across the city.
Jalamithra: This initiative encourages citizens, retired technical staff, and NGOs to volunteer for water leakage detection, surveys and conservation activities. Participants are required to dedicate four days a month to this service, fostering collaboration between BWSSB and the community.
Parisara Jalasnehi: Allows citizens to book treated water online for non-drinking purposes, including domestic, commercial and industrial uses.
Andar Jala: Facilitates citizens in applying for borewell permissions and obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for drilling wells or borewells.
Samrakshaka: Aims to deter water misuse by penalizing violators who use potable water for non-essential purposes. Offenders will face on-the-spot fines starting from March 16.
In response to the water crisis, BWSSB has issued orders prohibiting the use of potable water for non-essential activities such as cleaning vehicles, gardening and construction. Malls and theaters are permitted to use water solely for drinking purposes, with penalties imposed for violations.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar launched the ‘Save Blue and Live Green’ campaign on March 14 to promote water conservation. As part of the initiative, e-rickshaw vehicles carrying water conservation messages have been deployed throughout Bengaluru to raise awareness.
In addressing concerns about the water crisis, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar refuted claims that Bengaluru is facing a water shortage and clarified that alternative arrangements have been made. He dismissed allegations of water being released to Tamil Nadu as false and appealed to the Prime Minister and BJP MPs to grant permission for the Mekadattu dam.
