Tue Apr 08 07:28:38 UTC 2025: ## Bengaluru Water Board Proposes One-Time Settlement Scheme to Recover ₹701.72 Crore in Arrears
**Bengaluru, April 8, 2025** – The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is proposing a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme to recover a staggering ₹701.72 crore in outstanding water bills. The initiative aims to alleviate the board’s financial burden and improve its ability to provide services.
The OTS scheme, currently awaiting final approval from the Karnataka Finance Department, proposes waiving interest and penalties on overdue amounts. This would allow 490,207 consumers, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), state and central governments, industries, and other statutory bodies, to settle their principal dues.
BWSSB Chairman V. Ram Prasath Manohar stated that as of April 7th, the principal arrears totaled ₹439.03 crore, with accumulated interest and penalties adding up to ₹262.68 crore. He emphasized that the OTS scheme is crucial for the BWSSB’s financial stability and ultimately benefits consumers.
The highest outstanding amount, excluding interest and penalties, is owed by domestic users (₹185.48 crore), followed by the state government (₹56.04 crore), the central government (₹22.92 crore), the BBMP (₹7.63 crore), and non-domestic consumers (₹78.35 crore).
This announcement follows Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar’s suggestion of a possible marginal increase in Bengaluru’s water tariffs. The government is reportedly considering a one-paisa hike.
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