Karnataka offers one-time settlement scheme for water bill defaulters in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Amid rising demand for Cauvery water during the peak summer months, the state govt Saturday announced a major relief for lakhs of Bengalureans who have defaulted on water bills owed to Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).Rolling out a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said the govt would waive interest on pending dues if consumers cleared the principal amount within the stipulated period."The OTS scheme will be valid for three months from April to June 2026. Of the 11 lakh water connections in Bengaluru, about 5.1 lakh have outstanding dues for various reasons. As of Feb 2026, arrears stand at Rs 851.3 crore, including Rs 539.4 crore in principal and Rs 311.9 crore in interest," he said, adding that the move is aimed at easing the burden on citizens.A senior BWSSB official said the scheme would apply to all categories — domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers — while dues from govt departments would be addressed through reconciliation. The water authority will notify defaulters with details of payable amounts. Payments can be made through kiosks, the online portal, and digital modes.Urging citizens to utilise the three-month window to clear dues and avoid further penalties, Shivakumar said the initiative seeks to provide financial relief to consumers while strengthening the board's finances.