Bengaluru: With groundwater levels declining in parts of the city because of insufficient rainfall, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has issued three prohibitory and regulatory orders citing Sections 33 and 34 of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1964, calling for strict conservation of drinking water across the city.In its orders issued Saturday, BWSSB has completely prohibited the use of drinking water for filling swimming pools. However, the ban does not apply to swimming pools used for training or preparation of athletes for state and national-level competitions, provided prior permission is obtained from the board.The water authority has also prohibited the use of drinking water for multiple non-essential purposes. These include cleaning of vehicles, construction activities, decorative water features such as fountains, use in cinema halls and malls for non-drinking purposes, as well as road construction and road cleaning.BWSSB has made it mandatory to install flow restrictors or aerators in taps and water outlets used for cleaning in apartments, malls, commercial complexes, govt buildings, hotels, restaurants, and public places, including religious institutions. The deadline for compliance is July 31.The board said Bengaluru’s population, including permanent and floating residents, is estimated at around 1.4 crore, making it essential to ensure equitable and judicious use of drinking water. Officials noted that reduced rainfall has led to a fall in groundwater levels in certain areas, prompting the need for urgent restrictions to prevent wastage.When asked about the water available for the city, BWSSB chairperson Manjula N said the guidelines have been issued in light of the low rainfall. As of Saturday evening, the reservoirs were at 23% capacity compared with the same period last year. Out of 895.6 TMC capacity, only 203 TMC was available at present. The Cauvery basin stood at 36 TMC out of its 114.5 TMC capacity.A senior officer from India Meteorological Department said there is a 40% rain deficit this monsoon due to the El Niño effect. He added that the chances of rainfall increasing down the line are low.
