The water crisis in Bengaluru has reached a critical juncture as the city grapples with severe shortages. In response, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has taken a significant step by prohibiting the use of drinking water for non-essential purposes, according to recent reports.

Effective March 15th, the BWSSB's order prohibits the use of potable water in activities such as filling swimming pools. Violations of this order will incur a penalty of Rs 5,000, authorities have announced.

The decision comes amidst mounting concerns over dwindling water resources in the city. The BJP's state unit staged a protest at Freedom Park, urging the government to address the crisis. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya criticized the Congress-led government for prioritizing water release to Tamil Nadu over addressing Bengaluru's water scarcity. He lamented the lack of visits by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to understand the plight of affected residents.

In response, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused the BJP of politicizing the issue. He urged the BJP to seek permission from the central government for key water projects before criticizing the state's efforts. Shivakumar emphasized that there is no actual scarcity of water in Bangalore and attributed the perception of scarcity to the BJP's actions.

According to Dr. V Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairperson of the Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board, the city requires 150 liters of water per person per day, totaling 200,000 million liters daily for its 14 million residents. Presently, Bengaluru receives 10,450 million liters per day from the Cauvery river, which is deemed adequate until July. Manohar assured the public that the government is actively working to ensure the city's water needs are met.

Water crisis worsens in Karnataka, people are starving for water