Bengaluru Water Board Rolls Out One-Time Settlement Scheme for Pending Bills
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has officially launched a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme aimed at assisting consumers with long-standing water bill arrears. This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden on residents by providing a structured path to clear outstanding dues.
Scope of the Problem: Bill Arrears and Consumer Impact
Out of approximately 11 lakh water connections in Bengaluru, a significant 5.1 lakh consumers have pending bills. According to data from the end of February, the total arrears amount to Rs 851.3 crore. This sum comprises a principal amount of Rs 539 crore and accumulated interest of Rs 312 crore, highlighting the substantial financial challenge faced by both the board and consumers.
Scheme Details and Implementation Timeline
To simplify the clearance of these dues, the OTS scheme will be implemented over a three-month window, from April to June 2026. The scheme was recently announced by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, emphasizing the government's commitment to resolving this issue. BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar confirmed that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure a smooth rollout.
Communication and Payment Process for Consumers
Notices containing detailed payment information under the scheme will be sent to eligible consumers along with their upcoming water bills. Manohar elaborated, "Eligible consumers will receive comprehensive information with this month's bill. A separate letter detailing the outstanding principal, exact interest amount being waived, final payable sum, payment methods, and the scheme's criteria will be attached to the bill." This approach aims to provide clarity and facilitate easy compliance for residents.
Benefits and Objectives of the OTS Initiative
The primary goal of the OTS scheme is to ease the financial strain on consumers by offering a waiver on accumulated interest, thereby reducing the total payable amount. This move is expected to encourage timely payments and improve the board's revenue collection. By addressing the backlog of arrears, the BWSSB hopes to enhance service delivery and ensure sustainable water management in Bengaluru.
This initiative reflects a proactive step by the water board to support the community while maintaining operational efficiency. Consumers are advised to review the attached information carefully and take advantage of this opportunity to settle their dues under the favorable terms of the scheme.
