The decision was arrived at during a crucial board meeting that took place at Cauvery Bhavan on Friday, which was attended by the top brass of the department, said highly placed sources. “An excess amount of Rs 681 crores has risen due to the amounts quoted in tenders for implementing four packages of the Second phase,” informed an official. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is presently the main funding agency for the Rs 3,383.70 crore project. “We cannot expect JICA to bear the additional burden and so we have decided to write to the State to fund the excess amount incurred,” he added.
The second phase, when completed by end of 2011, is expected to provide the City an additional 500 Million Litres Per Day of water.
Another major step is the move to create a post of Technical Advisor to the BWSSB Minister, Katta Subramanya Naidu. The incumbent is expected to brief the Minister on all technical aspects related to water supply and sanitation. Retired executive engineer Ravi Kumar, who holds a doctorate in Environmental Engineering, will be the first occupant of the post.
“Proper management of waste water is a major area of concern for BWSSB. Hence, the appointment of an individual with a sound background in environmental issues,” another source said.
Other decisions taken at the meeting include the move to call for e-tendering to carry out maintenance work for six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at Yelahanka, Hebbal, Vrishabhavati Valley, Mallsandra and Nagasandra. It has also been decided to procure 30 water tankers, each of a capacity of 6,000 litres.