Torrential rains and waterlogging are not the only problems Bengaluru is facing. On Saturday night, the main drinking water pipeline in the city’s Uttarahalli area burst, disrupting water supply to several parts of the city.
The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board has now cut off water supply to entire North Bengaluru, parts of East division, Raja Rajeshwari Nagar, Mahalakshmi Layout, Basaveshwara Nagar, GKVK, parts of West Bengaluru, HRBR Layour, Saravana Nagara, HSR Layout and JP Nagar.
According to BBMP Executive Engineer, Jayashankar, the scour valve of the Cauvery Water Transmission Line developed cracks on Saturday night, resulting in a major leakage.
“This major pipeline is a source of water to areas surrounding RR Nagar, the entire North division and parts of east and west division,” said BWSSB Chief Engineer of North Division, Ravindra.
Uttarahalli roads flooded last night after the rain and BWSSB officials say that it could be because of the major leakage from the pipeline.
“We went to the spot to inspect the situation as soon as we got the information. We are trying to salvage the pipeline. Last night it began pouring and we could not finish the work properly. We are still carrying out the repair works,” Ravindra added
The cause of the leak is yet to be determined. However, BWSSB officials said that water supply in the above-mentioned areas will be cut off for the entire day.
According to a senior BWSSB official, most of the pipelines are old and rusty, which could have led to the leak.
“Where are the funds for maintenance? Most of these pipelines were laid 60-62 years ago. There has been no effort to ensure that these pipelines are maintained regularly. Besides, almost 40% of the water supply is unaccounted for due to leaks in the age old pipelines,” the BWSSB official added.