Date:11/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/11/stories/2006091118660100.htm

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100 more slums to get water supply

Afshan Yasmeen

Thrust on Greater Bangalore Water Supply and Sanitation Project

BANGALORE: Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board's has laid emphasis on Greater Bangalore Water Supply and Sanitation Project with a view to improving the board's services to the urban poor.

This project will not only cover more slums but also ensure that the urban poor get improvised services.

The board has set up a social development unit which is replicating and upgrading the ideas and concepts of various pilot projects, including the Australian Agency Aid (AusAID) Project.

Though the board is supplying water to 360 slums at subsidised costs in the city, it is gearing up to extend the facility to 100 more slums.

Health and Family Minister R. Ashok, who is also in-charge of Bangalore Urban district, recently announced that the project would benefit residents of 100 more slums in and around the city.

Illegal connections

According to senior officials, the board has realised that failure on its part to provide adequate services to the urban poor has adversely affected its functioning.

This is because of the scores illegal water tap connections, which are causing loss of revenue.

Besides, there are chances of the water supply system getting damaged as these unauthorised connections can lead to leaks and contamination of water.

This apart, the run-off of sewage in open places and sewage discharged into storm water drains not only pose serious health concerns but also portray a poor public image of the board, according to a senior official.