From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jun 21: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara has indicated that the State Government proposed to bring a legislation to make installation of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) mandatory in the construction of new apartment buildings.
Dr Parameshwara, who is holding charge of Bengaluru Development, was speaking after inaugurating the Suvarna Bhavan building of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in Bengaluru on Friday.
Expressing concern over the plight of the people due to non-availability of water in urban areas, especially in Chennai and other places, he underscored the need for water conservation, protection and rejuvenation of lakes and water bodies.
He said the STP treated water could be recycled for non-drinking purposes and felt that compulsory installation of STP in all apartment buildings, particularly those under construction, would go a long way in tackling the problems in water supply.
A rapidly growing city like Bengaluru requires drinking water supply for 1.5 crore population. Bengaluru had no other source of water supply except the Cauvery river, he said pointing out that the 5th phase of Cauvery is being implemented at a cost of Rs 5,500 crore.
The Thippagondanahalli Dam is being revived at a cost of Rs 340 crore, he said.
In addition, 2.5 tmc ft of water is being brought under the Yettinahole project. But, he said all these efforts to augment the drinking water supply were not sufficient to meet the requirements.
The Deputy Chief Minister said a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared for supply of drinking water from the Linganamakki dam. The proposal involves utilising the water flowing to the sea after power generation. The total quantity of water available is estimated to be around 10 tmc ft, which is proposed to be diverted to meet Bengaluru’s drinking water needs.
Admitting that the proposal for diverting the water from Linganamakki dam going waste into the sea after power generation for meeting Bengaluru’s drinking water needs has faced stiff opposition, the Deputy Chief Minister that the project will be taken up only after due consultation and discussion.
He reiterated that the State Government was committed to meet the drinking water requirements of Bengaluru from all sources.
Dr Parameshwara pointed out Bengaluru city’s population was expected to touch 3.5 crore by 2050 and emphasised the need for implementing plans to meet all problems, especially drinking water supply.
The State Government is spending a whopping Rs 50,000 crore for the all-round development of Bengaluru over a period of five years.
Dr C N Ashwathanarayana, Malleswaram MLA, BWSSB Chairman Tushar Girinath and BBMP Corporator Jayapal were among the participants at the function.