Bengaluru water tariff: Karnataka Deputy CM says citizens are ungrateful, hike is inevitable despite protests
DK Shivakumar has announced plans to increase water tariffs, despite significant public opposition. Addressing the concerns, Shivakumar criticized citizens, labeling them as ungrateful and emphasizing the need for the tariff hike to ensure the survival of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
«Citizens are ungrateful. If they don't get water, they will abuse us, call us, and put messages on WhatsApp. They don't know how difficult it is,» said Shivakumar. «Let the media and opposition abuse us. I am bound to increase the water tariff. They can criticize or protest, I won't stop. We will increase the tariff; otherwise, BWSSB won't survive.»
BWSSB’s Financial Struggles
Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru's development, defended the proposed tariff increase, citing the BWSSB's severe financial difficulties. The board is struggling to fund new projects, pay power bills, and cover employee salaries. According to Shivakumar, there has been a proposal to increase water prices for the past eight to nine years, but the tariffs have remained unchanged.
"(BWSSB) is running at a loss, there is no money to pay power bills, there is no money to give salary. How to do things? There is no other option. We will look into it. We cannot hike tariffs for everyone; we may have to do it for some sections....no decision yet (on how much to hike). I will discuss in the Cabinet and with the citizens and do it," Shivakumar explained.
Upcoming Cabinet Meeting to Decide on Tariff Hike
The Karnataka government, led by Chief
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