The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has officially secured a spot in the Guinness World Records for its monumental water conservation campaign, which garnered an astonishing 5.33 lakh (533,000) pledges to conserve water in just one week. The record was verified today in Bengaluru, with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar receiving the official certificate on behalf of the board.
The impactful campaign, which ran from March 21 to 28, began with a symbolic Cauvery Aarti at Sankey Tank, aiming to instill a sense of reverence and responsibility towards water resources. This mass pledge drive underscores the growing awareness and commitment towards water preservation in the face of increasing challenges.
Speaking at the certification event, Mr. Shivakumar acknowledged the board’s efforts and also addressed the recent water tariff hike in Bengaluru – the first in over a decade. He explained that the increase was a necessary step to reduce the board’s annual losses, currently estimated at around ₹500 crore.
“We are still not able to break even. But we are trying to reduce losses,” Mr. Shivakumar stated, highlighting the financial strain on the BWSSB. He further revealed a significant challenge: “Still about 35% of the property owners are not paying bills regularly.”
The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the critical importance of water conservation for future generations and pointed out that unlike some other major cities, Bengaluru currently uses treated drinking water for all purposes, including non-potable uses like washing vehicles and watering plants.
The record-breaking campaign and the candid discussions around the water board’s financial health highlight Bengaluru’s ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable water management for its rapidly growing population. The BWSSB hopes that the widespread participation in the pledge will translate into tangible long-term changes in water consumption habits across the city.
