Water theft right under BWSSB’s nose

Despite the area office of water supply and sewerage board being situated very close to the water body, residents of Marathalli have been stealing water from Munnekolala lake for the past five years, say sources

Water theft right under BWSSB's nose

An indigenous idea to make money from government resources, as the concerned departments does not have the slightest clue, is draining the water table dry.

A group of Marathalli residents have been stealing about 1,000 litres of water everyday from the Munnekolala Lake for the past five years and surprisingly, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and civic body officials are ignorant of the fact, though area offices are situated very close to the lake.

The residents draw water from the lake through underground bore wells dug within their house compounds

The residents have underground bore wells within their house compounds, which are used to draws water from the lake that is just across the street.

The water is then pumped into water tankers, and about 100 tankers of water worth is sold to different areas facing water problems.

Residents of the area claim that they have been in this business for over three years and no official has ever told them that it is illegal.

Profit sharing?
The authorities on the other hand claim that the residents are innocent and wouldn't indulge in such acts.
When MiD Day visited the area, the sight was baffling. About five houses have such underground bore wells, capable of drawing and storing up to 1,000 litres of water.

"We pump out water thrice a day and sell it to different areas. But we don't get all the money. Our profits are divided between the engineers, water tank owners and we get only 30 per cent of the share, which amounts to Rs 300 per tanker.
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Sometimes, when the water situation is grave, we make Rs 400 per tanker," said Rangamma, a local. He added that it is a good business and no authorities have told them to stop so far.

While people are complaining about misuse of water from lakes across the city, water theft is rampant here in broad daylight.
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When contacted, BBMP Corporator Varalakshmi's office claimed that the authorities are unaware about this racket.

"We would have investigated the matter if it would have been reported," claimed an official from the BBMP area office.

'It's not possible'
When questioned, the BWSSB officials from the area said, "We cannot go to each house and check if they are indulging in any illegal business. But we did notice a reduction in the water level," says Nagganna, a BWSSB official.

A resident revealed that the officials visit the spot often, but have never questioned anyone. "They initially asked why so many water tankers were frequenting the area.

The elders have settled the business with the officials of the department five years ago. So now, the authorities don't even approach us," explained Gurumurthy, au00a0resident.

Rs 400
The rate at which locals sell a tanker of water when there's acute shoratge