Bengaluru BWSSB Offers Discount On Pending Water Bills, Settlement Window Opens
The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will launch a scheme in January allowing consumers to settle pending water bills by waiving interest and penalties.Summary
The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is introducing a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, modeled after a similar initiative by the Bengaluru Traffic Police, to address approximately Rs 700 crore in outstanding water bills. The scheme, approved by the state government and slated to begin in January, will allow consumers to pay their principal bill amount without incurring accumulated penalties and interest. A three-month window, likely from January to March, will be provided for both residential and commercial users to take advantage of the offer.
The BWSSB anticipates recovering around Rs 450 crore through this scheme, as unpaid bills have hindered the board’s ability to fund operations, maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades. Consumers have expressed relief, noting that penalties often exceed the original bill amount, making full payment difficult.
Payment options will include online platforms, BWSSB offices, and authorized banking systems, with further details to be announced upon the scheme’s official launch. The initiative aims to encourage defaulters to settle their arrears without the burden of additional charges, ultimately improving the BWSSB’s financial stability.
(Source：News 18)