Bengaluru water crisis: Use of potable water for car washing, gardening banned

The authorities have banned the use of potable water for non-essential purposes in Bengaluru as the Karnataka capital continues to reel under a severe water crisis that shows no signs of abating. The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), in an order dated March 7, said that the use of drinking water for cleaning vehicles, construction of buildings and roads, gardening, fountains and other maintenance work is strictly prohibited in the city. It further stated that all the malls and theatres were permitted to use water only for drinking purposes.

If a person is found violating the orders, BWSSB will levy a penalty of ₹5,000 for a first-time offence, while repeated offences will attract an additional penalty of ₹500 per day, reports said.

The water crisis has gripped the IT hub after thousands of borewells dried up in the region. The BWSSB further asked residents to report violations to its call centre number 1916. In response to soaring temperatures and depleting groundwater levels in Karnataka's capital city, the BWSSB has issued a crucial ban order under Sections 33 and 34 of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1964, officials said.