In the heart of Bengaluru, an unseen crisis brews beneath the bustling cityscape. The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has issued a stern directive: the use of potable water for non-essential activities is now strictly forbidden.

This encompasses washing vehicles, nurturing gardens, fueling construction, and more. Violators face a hefty ₹5,000 fine, with an additional ₹500 levied for each day the offense continues.

This decisive action emerges as Bengaluru confronts a looming water crisis. With a burgeoning population exceeding 1.4 crore and groundwater reserves dwindling alarmingly, the city's lifeline is under unprecedented strain.

The BWSSB's mandate, rooted in Sections 33 and 34 of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act of 1964, underscores the urgency of preserving every drop.

The situation is exacerbated by soaring temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns, leading to the desiccation of over 3,000 borewells across the metropolis.

In response, the BWSSB implores residents to exercise utmost discretion in water usage, reserving potable supplies exclusively for drinking and cooking. To enforce compliance, a dedicated helpline (1916) has been established, empowering citizens to report infractions and safeguard their community's water future.

As Bengaluru teeters on the precipice of a severe water shortage, the BWSSB's stringent measures serve as a clarion call. The fate of the city's water rests not only in policy but in the hands of its inhabitants, urging a collective commitment to conservation before the taps run dry.