BWSSB Seeks Three-Month Extension for Water Bill Amnesty Scheme in Bengaluru

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has formally approached the Karnataka state government seeking a three-month extension for its water bill one-time settlement amnesty scheme in Bengaluru. The move comes after the utility received a lukewarm response to the program, recovering only a small fraction of its total outstanding bill arrears during the original three-month period.

The one-time settlement initiative was originally in force from April to June. According to official figures from the utility, BWSSB collected around Rs 60 crore during these three months against total outstanding principal dues of Rs 563.82 crore. Out of the total defaulting consumer base, only 1.13 lakh consumers cleared their pending water bills under the scheme. Meanwhile, around 2.48 lakh customers are yet to take advantage of the interest and penalty waiver.

BWSSB launched the amnesty scheme to improve its revenue collection and generate funds needed to support the board's rising operational expenses. Under the provisions of the one-time settlement scheme, interest charges on delayed payments and penalties for various violations were fully waived. This allowed participating consumers to clear their old accounts by paying strictly the pending principal amount owed to the water board.

With the original deadline expiring at the end of June, several consumers came forward seeking additional time to clear their arrears. Utility officials stated that the response received so far demonstrates a strong need to continue the scheme, noting that many defaulters were unable to complete their payments within the initial timeframe.

In response to consumer requests and to recover remaining arrears, BWSSB submitted its proposal to the state government to extend the scheme for another three months. If approved, the extension will allow the remaining 2.48 lakh defaulting customers in Bengaluru to clear their pending principal dues without facing interest charges or violation penalties.