Inspite of a good monsoon filling up reservoirs, Bengaluru is facing water problems due to electrical failures affecting the capacity of the pumps at the pumping stations in TK Halli
Since January, there have been 14 disruptions at the TK Halli pumping station affecting power supply in the city. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is looking to fix the issue ahead of the peak summer months of April and May.
“We have written to the Bescom asking them to install breakers in the power supply that may stop disruptions. The summer demand is high. Even a five minute disruption will lead to a half- hour stoppage in pumping,” said Kemparamaiah, Engineer-in-Chief, BWSSB, speaking to The Hindu.
BWSSB wants to secure the electricity supply to the station and have asked for a transmission line to the station to be made underground.
According to BWSSB, the shutdowns in TK Halli in addition to power shutdowns across the city affecting local booster pumps, could cause problems for the city's residents.
Earlier in January. the BWSSB undertook major repair and refurbishment works to ensure that the pipelines laid out in the city can withstand sudden power failures. During a power failure, the water headed to the city returns to the source with force. This could rupture pipelines and result in leakage of water.