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The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will publish builder payment records for Cauvery water connections in response to complaints from apartment residents. Many builders collected charges from buyers but failed to pay BWSSB, leaving homebuyers without promised connections. The board's website will list compliant and defaulting builders, allowing homeowners to verify payments. BWSSB will mediate settlements, but buyers can take legal action if builders refuse to pay. Additionally, a three-member panel has been formed to address complaints against overcharging plumbers. These steps aim to enhance transparency and accountability in Bengaluru's real estate and water supply sectors.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced plans to publish details of all builders in Bengaluru, including records of payments made for Cauvery water connections. This decision follows numerous complaints from apartment residents that their builders collected water connection charges but failed to pay the utility. BWSSB will engage with these builders, but if they do not settle the outstanding payments, homebuyers will have the option to take legal action. Advertisement
BWSSB engineers, during a door-to-door campaign across various Bengaluru zones, found that many apartment owners and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) were unaware of the issue. Several residents stated that they had already paid their builders at the time of property registration and assumed the matter was settled. However, investigations revealed that many builders had not forwarded these payments to BWSSB, leaving homebuyers without the promised Cauvery water connections.
Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairperson of BWSSB, confirmed that this issue is widespread, especially in the 110 villages recently brought under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) jurisdiction. While some builders have fulfilled their financial obligations, many have failed to do so, prompting BWSSB to make this information publicly available. The board's website will list both compliant builders and defaulters, allowing citizens to verify whether their payments were correctly transferred.
Since 2008, it has been mandatory for builders to obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from BWSSB to receive a Commencement Certificate and an Occupancy Certificate for their projects. At the time of issuing NOCs, BWSSB records details of builders and whether they have paid the required charges. These records will now be accessible to the public. If apartment associations or RWAs discover that their builders failed to make the necessary payments despite collecting funds from buyers, they can report the matter to BWSSB. The board will then summon the builders and attempt to mediate payment settlements. If builders refuse to comply, homeowners and RWAs will have the option to initiate legal proceedings.
In addition to addressing the issue of unpaid water charges, BWSSB has also established a three-member panel to investigate complaints against registered plumbers who overcharge homeowners for connecting their properties to the Cauvery water pipeline. Bengaluru has approximately 2,000 registered plumbers, and some residents have reported being charged excessive amounts for these services. The committee will assess complaints and provide resolutions. If homeowners are dissatisfied with the panel's decision, they can escalate the matter to the BWSSB Chairperson, who will personally review their cases.
BWSSB's initiative to publish builder payment records and establish a grievance redressal mechanism marks a significant step towards transparency and accountability in Bengaluru's real estate sector. As these measures take effect, they are expected to enhance trust in the system while ensuring timely access to essential water services.
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