NEWS – The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to launch a technology-driven enforcement initiative to curb illegal water and sewage connections across Bengaluru. The newly formed Blue Force will enhance monitoring, reduce losses, and improve service efficiency.

KEY FEATURES OF THE INITIATIVE

1. Launch of the ‘Blue Force’

• Specially constituted three-member teams to begin operations this week.
• 16 teams deployed — one for each BWSSB subdivision.
• Tasked with identifying and acting on illegal connections and misuse.

2. Technology-Backed Enforcement

• Partnership with a tech company for advanced robotic services.
• Robotic applications include:
  • Pipeline inspection and digital mapping.
  • AI-based defect and leakage detection.
  • Locating illegal bypasses in water/sewage lines.
• Data collected by robots will guide on-ground verification by the Blue Force.

WHY THE INITIATIVE MATTERS

1. Revenue Protection and Efficiency

• Illegal connections cause substantial revenue loss.
• Regularising unauthorised supply will help stabilise BWSSB’s finances.
• Better detection reduces unnecessary road cutting and public inconvenience.

2. Tackling Unaccounted-for Water (UFW)

• Bengaluru’s UFW currently stands at 28%.
• A significant portion attributed to leakages and illegal connections.
• Robotic technology expected to sharply reduce losses.

Common Violations Targeted

• Pipelines installed before the water meter to divert supply.
• Large apartments discharging sewage without formal connections.
• Bypass lines that evade billing and monitoring.