BWSSBBangalorewater penaltiesRain Water HarvestingOccupancy Certificate

BWSSB Collects Over ₹18 Crore Monthly in Penalties from 1.52 Lakh Water Connections

about 21 hours ago

Published: May 8, 2026

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board collects an average of ₹18.03 crore per month in penalties from 1.52 lakh connections for violations including missing rainwater harvesting systems, occupancy certificates, and sewage treatment plants. The board has announced it will now install rainwater harvesting systems directly to improve compliance.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) collects over ₹18 crore per month in penalties, amounting to nearly 10% of its total monthly revenue of ₹200 crore, from approximately 1.52 lakh of its 10.85 lakh water connections. Penalties are levied for three violations: absence of Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) systems, lack of Occupancy Certificates (OC), and failure to install Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

Of the total penalty revenue, ₹13.20 crore comes from 1.03 lakh buildings without OCs, where penalties range from 50% to 100% of the water bill; ₹4.56 crore is collected from 49,431 buildings without RWH systems; and ₹27 lakh is recovered from 320 buildings lacking mandated STPs. A 2016 rule requires RWH in all new buildings on plots of 30x40 feet or larger, with non-compliance leading to escalating penalties.

BWSSB Chairman V. Ram Prasath Manohar stated the board’s primary objective is water conservation, not revenue generation, and announced a new initiative to install RWH systems at a cost of ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 for a 2,400 sq ft built-up area. Consumers can pay through monthly instalments adjusted against existing penalties. Previously, installations had to be carried out through private vendors.

The Supreme Court mandated in December 2024 that OCs are required for utility connections, prompting stricter enforcement, though the state government has since offered some concessions. BWSSB officials cite infrastructure strain from non-compliant buildings as justification for penalties.

The board will continue outreach to the 320 STP-noncompliant buildings to secure compliance, while expanding its direct RWH installation program; the next performance review is scheduled for June 2026.