Unveiling of the JICA-funded 5th stage of Cauvery Water Supply Scheme

Bengaluru, 16 October 2024: The 5^th stage of Cauvery Water Supply Scheme, otherwise known as Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Project (Phase 3), funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), was unveiled today by H.E. Siddaramaiah, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka, and Mr. D.K. Shivakumar, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Water Resources & Bengaluru Urban Development, Government of Karnataka as well as Ms. HOKUGO Kyoko, Minister (Economic), Embassy of Japan in India and Mr. TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India at Thorekadanahalli (T.K. Halli), Bangalore Water Supply & Sewage Board Premises.

This marks a significant milestone in JICA and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board’s (BWSSB) 30-year partnership aimed at enhancing water supply and sewerage services for approximately 8.5 million residents in the rapidly growing Bengaluru metropolitan area.

The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Project (Phase 3), driven by an investment of JPY 81,060 million equivalent to around INR 4,336 crores by JICA, aims to support 50 lakh new beneficiaries across Bengaluru through 4 lakh new connections to boost water access benefitting 110 BBMP villages, supplying Cauvery Water to every single house under the jurisdiction of Yelahanka, Yeshwantpura, Bangalore South, Byatarayanapura, T. Dasarahalli, Mahadevapura, Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Bommanahalli zones.

Ms. HOKUGO Kyoko, Minister (Economic), Embassy of Japan in India, delivered her remarks on this delightful occasion, stating “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the successful inauguration of the 5th Stage of the Cauvery Drinking Water Project here at T.K. Halli, in Bengaluru on behalf of the Government of Japan. This project will act as catalyst for realizing sustainable economic growth and development of Karnataka as well as quality life of the people of Karnataka. I am honoured this water supply project is not a project alone but also symbolises the deep and mutual respect between Japan and India”.

Mr. TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, stated "This milestone symbolizes the deep-rooted trust and cooperation between JICA and the state of Karnataka. Over the past 30 years, JICA has extended loans totalling JPY 179,867 million equivalent to around INR 100 billion (over 10,000 crores) to the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) with engagements of various Japanese companies , marking one of JICA’s largest investments in the water supply facilities of a single city. Together, we are committed to fostering a bright, water-secure future for Bengaluru."

Looking ahead, JICA anticipates the full opening of the project and the inauguration of wastewater treatment facilities, which will further enhance the city’s resilience and sustainability. Our commitment to ensuring a stable and sustainable water supply for Bengaluru remains steadfast.