The World Bank has approved a substantial loan of $426 million (approximately ₹3,500 crore) to enhance Bengaluru’s water resilience capacity, incorporating a framework of nine disbursement-linked indicators (DLIs) focused on service benchmarking, digital governance, climate financing, and mobilizing local resources. This initiative aims to significantly improve the city’s infrastructure over a five-year implementation period from 2026 to 2031, with funding disbursed in multiple installments contingent upon meeting these DLIs.
Total project costs are estimated at ₹5,000 crore, with the World Bank loan constituting a large portion while the remainder will be funded by the State government. Key undertakings within this project involve the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) enhancing storm-water drains (SWDs) and constructing sewage treatment plants (STPs).
A recent stakeholder consultation emphasized the importance of setting specific targets for the DLIs. Advocates for lake conservation noted the necessity for measurable outcomes, particularly regarding the water quality in rejuvenated lakes through effective STP operations.
Additionally, the World Bank’s directives include promoting the reuse of treated water in a sustainable circular economy and implementing advanced alert systems for flood prevention through the installation of sensors in SWDs. The civic body is also set to introduce sluice gates at local lakes.
Climate financing is another critical element, as the civic body references the Climate Action Plan to secure the necessary funds. Changes in property tax and water tariffs are underway, with the BWSSB preparing for a tariff increase anticipated in 2025 following discussions with local MLAs.
Moreover, another significant component of the project entails establishing a sophisticated control room at the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre to effectively address climate-related risks, with an investment of ₹350 crore. City officials indicated that many of the specified DLIs are already in practice within Bengaluru, and documentation is being prepared for submission to ensure compliance with World Bank regulations throughout the project’s lifetime.
Published – January 03, 2025 07:36 am IST
