Bengaluru: The state government is considering a project presented by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) to tap the water of rivers before they join the sea for supply to all city corporations.
The IISc. team headed by Prof Seetharam has estimated that around 350 tmc ft of water flows into the sea every year and has proposed harvesting around 35 tmc ft of it through reservoirs built at locations ahead of the the point where the rivers meet the sea. The water could cater to the needs of all the city corporations, including Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Ballari, Kalaburgi and Vijayapura going by according to Bengaluru Development Minister, K J George. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 2500 crore.
"Such projects already exist in countries like Hong Kong and Singapore. The government has asked the BWSSB to study the feasibility of the project and get back to the government," he told reporters here on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Urban Development Department has prepared a project report to de-salinise sea water and supply it to Bengaluru. The proposal had come up before the last cabinet, but was not approved for want of some technical details. The BWSSB will now study both proposals before taking a decision, according to him.
Dismissing threats by the JD(S) to pull out of its alliance with the Congress in the BBMP council , Mr George continued to exude confidence that it would not withdraw its support.
Asked about JD(S) supremo, H D Deve Gowda's reservations over the alliance with the Congress in the council, he said whatever apprehensions he may have , the alliance would continue till the end of the present BBMP council's tenure.
