Bengaluru- The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced a Rs 5,000 fine for misuse of drinking water in the city, as water scarcity concerns grow amid rising temperatures and declining groundwater levels. The order, signed by the BWSSB President, prohibits the use of drinking water for vehicle washing, gardening, construction, fountains, recreational activities, and road construction. For repeat violations, an additional daily penalty of Rs 500 will be imposed on top of the base fine.

The decision comes as Bengaluru grapples with providing adequate drinking water to its population of 1.40 crore people, including floating residents.

The BWSSB has established a dedicated helpline (1916) for citizens to report violations of these restrictions. This initiative follows a similar order issued in March of the previous year, with the current restrictions being implemented under sections 33 and 34 of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Act of 1964.

The water crisis in Bengaluru appears to be deepening, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar directing officials to prepare a report on proposed drinking water price increases. The BWSSB is expected to implement a long-pending water tariff hike soon, adding to the city's growing water management challenges. The restrictions particularly affect commercial establishments like malls and cinema theaters, which must now limit water usage to drinking purposes only.