Bengaluru: Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has intensified its crackdown against unauthorized sewer connections in the city, identifying 5,645 such links in its first phase of inspection. The board has collected revenue of Rs 100 crore from these illegal connections in the form of fines and service fees.
The 5,645 illegal connections were detected when BWSSB surveyed 40,903 connections. The water utility, however, provides sanitary (sewer) services to 10.7 lakh units across the city, indicating that more detections of illegal connections are in the offing as the survey progresses.
Unauthorized connections and improper management of wastewater have emerged as a major challenge for BWSSB in countering the rising pressure on the sewage system.
Earlier this month, the water authority found that an apartment had illegally linked its sewerage to a new Cauvery water pipeline in RK Hegde Nagar. The illegal link came to light when BWSSB was checking the new pipeline. The unauthorized connection couldn't withstand the pressure and burst, leading to leakage of five million litres of water.
"The illegal connections and discharge of rainwater into the sewage system are causing immense stress on the infrastructure. This has led to wastewater overflowing from manholes in various parts of the city, flooding the roads and creating challenges for pedestrians and motorists," said Ram Prasath Manohar, chairman of BWSSB.
In response to public complaints, the water authority started identifying unauthorized connections. "Of the 5,645 illegal connections detected in the first phase, 1,635 have been regularized after collecting fines and service fees from property owners. This comes under revenue income and will be used for capital expenditure for new sewage treatment plants and laying pipelines," said Manohar.
Notices have been issued to the remaining 4,010 property owners, directing them to pay penalties and regularize their connections promptly, as per BWSSB sources.
Elaborating further, Manohar said, "Unauthorized sanitary connections have been an ongoing issue for years. The lack of early detection and action led to a rise in their numbers. BWSSB is now addressing this by imposing fines, collecting the prescribed service fees, and regularizing illegal connections."
Furthermore, BWSSB is working on enhancing the capacity of sewer lines and manholes in areas where connections have been regularized.
"Residents with Cauvery water connections are required to pay a designated fee to obtain a sewerage connection. Those without Cauvery water connections are expected to voluntarily apply for sewer services with the board. Based on the number of connections, BWSSB develops pipelines, constructs manholes, and builds STPs to manage and treat wastewater," he said.
Among the 16 divisions of BWSSB, North-1 reported the highest number of unauthorized connections. Of the 40,903 connections surveyed, 2,184 were from North-1 division, with 1,621 identified as illegal. Of these, 198 connections have been regularized, and notices have been issued to 1,423 owners.