Man-animal conflicts, pollution continue despite announcements

Despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's push to encourage private apartments to use treated water to ease Bengaluru's water demand, little progress has been made.

- BOSKY KHANNA @Bengaluru

DESPITE Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's push to encourage private apartments to use treated water to ease Bengaluru's water demand, little progress has been made. Though newly-constructed apartments are using treated water, lack of prescribed usage and enforcement has made little impact.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) have been unable to take tough decisions in enforcing the use of treated water in existing apartment complexes and commercial complexes. This inaction has led to a rise in water demand, continued contamination of water bodies and groundwater pollution. KSPCB officials admitted that while efforts are underway, progress is far slower than needed.