In a major relief for a vast number of residents and businesses, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced a significant one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for pending water bills. This initiative is set to benefit more than 6.2 lakh consumers across the city who have accumulated arrears over several years.
Substantial Financial Relief on Offer
The core of the scheme involves a complete waiver of interest and penalties, which collectively amount to a staggering ₹299 crore. This waiver is conditional upon consumers clearing their principal outstanding amount within a defined period. The total outstanding dues from these defaulters stand at ₹833.1 crore, and the water board aims to recover ₹534.1 crore as the principal component through this drive.
Who Stands to Benefit?
The beneficiaries of this OTS scheme encompass a wide spectrum of Cauvery water connection holders in Bengaluru. The breakdown includes:
- 5.3 lakh residential connections
- 48,000 commercial establishments
- Several state and central government offices
Given that Bengaluru has a total of 15–16 lakh Cauvery water connections, this scheme targets a substantial portion of consumers who have fallen behind on payments.
A Balanced Approach: Relief and Revenue Recovery
BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar emphasized that the scheme is designed to strike a balance between providing consumer relief and ensuring essential revenue recovery for the board. He clarified that the objective is not punitive action but to offer a final opportunity to genuine defaulters.
"The objective is not punitive action but to give genuine defaulters the final opportunity to clear long-pending dues. If consumers pay the entire principal amount within the stipulated period, the interest and penalty will be completely waived," Manohar stated.
Scheme Details and Timeline
The OTS scheme, approved by the state cabinet, draws inspiration from a similar successful initiative implemented earlier for property tax arrears under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The scheme will be officially launched by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar shortly.
Once launched, the scheme will remain in force for a strict window of 90 days. Consumers must pay their entire principal outstanding amount within this period to avail the full waiver of interest and penalties.
Clearing the Decks for Consumers and the Board
This move is expected to provide a fresh start for lakhs of consumers burdened by mounting penalties, while simultaneously injecting crucial funds into the BWSSB's coffers. It represents a pragmatic solution to clear long-standing dues that have been difficult to recover through standard procedures. The success of the scheme hinges on widespread awareness and prompt action by the eligible defaulters within the three-month deadline.
