Bengaluru water crisis: Karnataka caps tariffs for private water tankers
The Karnataka government has fixed tariffs for water supplied by private tanker operators registered with the civic authorities to prevent them from overcharging residents of Bengaluru who are grappling with a severe water crisis.
The tariff notification was issued by Dayananda KA, Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner, on March 6, and the rates are based on the technical advisory committee’s recommendations.
The rates for tankers supplying water from within 5 km are Rs 600 for a 6,000-litre water tanker, Rs 700 for an 8,000-litre tanker, and Rs 1,000 for a 12,000-litre tanker. For distances of 5 km to 10 km, the rates are Rs 750, Rs 850, and Rs 1,200 for the respective tanker capacities. The rates are inclusive of GST.
Bulk water customers such as residential complexes and commercial establishments can hire tankers (excluding water) at Rs 5,200 for 6,000 litres and Rs 7,100 for 12,000 litres. Additionally, Rs 50 will be charged for every kilolitre increase beyond 8,000 litres up to 12,000 litres.
Private tanker operators said the rates were lower than what they sought.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) had asked the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to regulate water rates due to soaring tanker prices.
In January, people used to buy water from tanker operators, paying Rs 800-1,000 for 6,000 litres, compared with Rs 600-Rs 800 before December. In February, these rates went up to Rs 1,200-Rs 1,500.
On March 2, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the state government would take over private water tankers that were not registered with the BBMP by March 7.
