Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced that a water tariff hike in Bengaluru is unavoidable due to the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) facing financial difficulties. The hike, which is expected to be between 20-30%, is necessary to prevent the board’s collapse and ensure continued water supply to the city’s residents. However, the exact amount and specific segments affected by the hike are still under consideration. Shivakumar also addressed the rising electricity costs, emphasizing the need for a more efficient distribution network to manage the city’s water supply. He also firmly rejected proposals to privatize BWSSB services, citing past experiences where privatization led to increased costs without significant improvements.