Bengaluru: Residents of the Whitefield area of Bengaluru are struggling without getting enough water for daily use. Their colonies are not getting proper water supply for the last five months. Against this backdrop the Lokayukta has registered a voluntary case.
Whitefield residents are paying Rs 10,000 per month to book water tankers. Ramgondanahalli, Siddapur and Tubarahalli villages near Whitefield are not connected by Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Due to this the residents are dependent on water tankers. For the last five months, many villagers have been earning Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per month. They are getting water through tankers at a cost.
Earlier, they were being paid Rs..500 to 600 per month, but now the price of each tanker has also increased due to the increased demand for tanker water. Deputy Lokayukta, Justice K. N. Phanindra registered a voluntary case under right to life.
The right to safe drinking water is part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The right to clean drinking water is a fundamental right and it is the duty of the state to provide clean water to the citizens under Article 21.
The Deputy Lokayukta, taking cognisance of the media reports, directed the office to file a suo motu case under Section 7(1) R/w 9(3)(a) of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984. The deputy Lokayukta has instructed the two revenue officials of BBMP that water should be supplied to Ramgondanahalli immediately and interest should be taken to provide roads and basic amenities to the residents of this area. The Lokayukta has instructed the Chief Commissioner of BBMP to submit a report as to why the village is not being supplied with drinking water on a regular basis.