FLEET STRENGTHENED: The new vehicles acquired by BWSSB.

BANGALORE: Are you one of those worried that the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board's (BWSSB) water supply in tankers at times of emergencies is of no use because the vehicle cannot enter your lane?

To ensure easy supply of water through tankers to residents whose houses are located along narrow lanes, especially in old localities, the BWSSB has procured 25 new tankers.

These tankers with a capacity of 6,000 litres will be of great help during any emergency water shutdown or during summer in areas, which face a scarcity.

Purchased at a total cost of Rs. 2.15 crore, these tankers will be flagged off by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on August 31.

Although the BWSSB already has 23 tankers, they cannot enter the narrow lanes in Cubbonpet, Tharugpet, Avenue Road and and even in some parts of the 27 newly added wards of Bangalore Mahanagara Palike.

"As the roads in these areas are narrow, it is difficult for the existing big tankers with a capacity of 18,000-20,000 litres to reach the affected area. Sometimes, the tanker has to be stopped on the main road and people are forced to collect water from a distance.

The new mini tankers will be used in such areas," BWSSB Chief Engineer (Maintenance) L.S. Khandappanavar said on Wednesday.

Pointing out that residents of old areas often complained that the tankers could not reach the interior lanes in their areas, Mr Khandappanavar said: "Although we do not have any drinking water supply crisis, it is necessary to make alternative water supply arrangements if there is any pipeline leak or maintenance work in any area."

The new vehicles would be put to use in the new BMP wards where drinking water lines have been installed but water supply was yet to begin, he said.

"We will keep all the 48 tankers ready to meet any crisis round the clock, especially in summer. Details about the tanker numbers, timings and jurisdictional engineers will be publicised for the benefit of people," Mr. Khandappanavar said.

The BWSSB had placed orders for the tankers during the tenure of the former BWSSB Chairman Ashok Kumar Manoli.

He had assured corporators at the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's Council meeting in February that the board would buy new tankers to ensure that there is no problem in summer.

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