In a major enforcement drive, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has regularised 1,325 unauthorised water and sanitary connections within its jurisdiction, collecting ₹142.66 crore through fines and installation fees.
The operation began two months ago, targeting households and apartment complexes using illegal connections. BWSSB teams initially issued disconnection notices to violators, prompting many to come forward for regularisation. Those who failed to respond faced immediate disconnection of services.
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BWSSB identifies over 43,000 unauthorised connections
The crackdown revealed a widespread issue, with officials identifying over 43,000 unauthorised water connections through data shared by BESCOM. Further investigation led to the discovery of 383 apartment complexes operating without approvals from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and lacking sanctioned BWSSB connections.
These illegal connections have reportedly contributed to excessive pressure on the city’s pipeline infrastructure, causing frequent punctures and leakages. The maintenance burden on the board has escalated due to the strain imposed by unapproved connections, particularly in high-rise residential buildings.
BWSSB has made it clear that it will continue its action against violators, especially developers and owners of apartment complexes who have bypassed the legal connection process. The board expects to recover an additional ₹200 crore from errant property owners as it continues its enforcement efforts.
The drive marks a significant step towards curbing unregulated water usage and protecting the city’s ageing infrastructure from further damage.
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