Cauvery Aarti A 'Tribute' To The River That Sustains Bengaluru: BWSSB Chairman | Interview
“This summer, Bengaluru will not be thirsty, but Bengaluru needs to be thrifty when it comes to its water resources,” said Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman of the BWSSB, to News18.
The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has come up with an innovative idea to pay tribute to the Cauvery River by introducing the Cauvery Aarti, similar to the Ganga Aarti performed in Varanasi. Cauvery is Bengaluru’s primary water source, and the state government hopes to raise awareness about water conservation and the need to protect water bodies to keep the city hydrated.
“This summer, Bengaluru will not be thirsty, but Bengaluru needs to be thrifty when it comes to its water resources," said Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman of the BWSSB, to News18.
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The Cauvery Aarti is expected to be attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and over 15,000 residents.
“While planning this campaign, we felt it was important to incorporate a traditional practice that resonates with people and inspires them to take collective action. That’s when we realised that it is our duty to pay tribute to Kaveri Mata, the river that sustains us. We also wanted to send a strong message to the community about preserving their lakes and rivers by reviving cultural traditions," Manohar told News18.
The BWSSB also plans to make it an annual event based on the response.
Why a Cauvery Aarti?
The primary objective is to ensure that people understand and revere water bodies. Manohar said that during their research, they found that for years, the Gangamma Puja has been a revered religious practice at the famous Sankey Tank in the heart of the city.
“There is an ancient Gangamma Temple located there, and we saw an opportunity to connect this tradition with our initiative. That’s how the concept of Kaveri Aarti was born. But we didn’t want to conduct the aarti in a simple way. We decided to bring holy water from Talakaveri, the source of the river, and perform the ritual at the Gangamma Temple. From there, the Kaveri water will be carried in a grand procession, accompanied by the Gangamma Utsavamurthy, to Sankey Tank, where the puja and aarti will be conducted," he explained.
Manohar said they are launching this initiative on March 21, on the eve of World Water Day. To commemorate the occasion, they are rolling out a large-scale campaign to raise awareness about water conservation and the protection of water bodies. As part of this, they are also aiming to set two Guinness World Records — the world’s largest pledge campaign and the world’s largest water aerator installation campaign.
Historical and Religious Significance of Sankey Tank
Manohar explained that Sankey Tank holds both historical and religious significance.
During the 1880s, Bengaluru experienced a severe famine. In response, Colonel Richard Hiram Sankey, a British Army officer, constructed the Sankey Reservoir around an ancient water body known as Gandadakote Kere.
Sankey Tank was chosen as the venue for the Cauvery Aarti because of its historical and spiritual relevance. It is believed to be the source of the Vrishabhavathi River, and the presence of the Shri Jala Gangamma Tayi Temple nearby adds to its sanctity.
“This lake was instrumental in feeding the Vrishabhavathi River, a tributary of the Cauvery. Recognising the need for better rainwater conservation, Sankey designed a catchment system to store water, ensuring a stable supply for the city. As a tribute to his contribution, the reservoir was named after him. Coincidentally, Sankey’s birth anniversary falls on March 22, making it a symbolic occasion to honour both him and the Cauvery River while raising awareness about water conservation," Manohar said.
Environmental Concerns Over the Aarti
Some groups have raised concerns that the Cauvery Aarti could disturb the ecological balance of Sankey Tank. The area is home to a diverse habitat, particularly for birds, and significant efforts have been made to restore it as a walker’s paradise and an ecological sanctuary. Protesters fear that events of this scale could disrupt the ecosystem.
In response, Manohar said they are fully aware of these concerns and are committed to being environmentally responsible.
“The campaign is centred around water conservation; it cannot be detrimental to the environment. The issue was also brought before the Karnataka High Court, which dismissed the objections and granted legal clearance for the event. All necessary precautions will be taken to ensure the aarti aligns with traditional practices while also fostering environmental awareness through cultural programmes and community engagement," he said.
Cauvery Water at Your Doorstep: BWSSB’s Tanker Initiative
Bengaluru has been grappling with a severe water crisis, and last year was no exception. When asked how the city plans to manage water shortages this summer, Manohar said the BWSSB has a slew of measures in place.
“One major step is a large-scale pledge campaign to encourage public commitment to water conservation. Additionally, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to install water aerators, which can help save 40–50 per cent of water otherwise wasted. Plans are in place to distribute 10 lakh aerators across households and communities as part of a broader conservation effort," he explained.
For those who still lack access to Cauvery water due to infrastructure limitations, network gaps, or financial constraints, the BWSSB is introducing a tanker-based distribution system. Currently, many residents rely on borewell or private tanker water, but this new scheme aims to make Cauvery water more accessible. The initiative, which will be launched soon, will facilitate direct engagement between citizens and the BWSSB.
When asked about the cost of booking Cauvery water tankers, officials stated that pricing details are yet to be finalised. The proposed rates will be discussed by the BWSSB board before a final decision is announced. The focus is on ensuring affordability, especially for those currently paying high rates for underground water.
Water Tariff Hike on the Cards
The BWSSB is also set to increase water tariffs. Manohar noted that the last revision took place in 2014.
“The financial situation of BWSSB is a little worrisome for all of us because the last revision of the rate happened in 2014. After 10 years, there have been multiple revisions in electricity tariffs, and human resource costs have escalated. Therefore, we are in imperative need to escalate this rate, but the tariff cannot be raised beyond a point. We want to balance the interests of both the citizens and the BWSSB to strike a moderate rate that is being discussed and will be decided by the government as soon as possible," he said.
While the board can propose a new tariff, the final decision rests with the government.
Preparing for a Harsh Summer
Karnataka, and particularly Bengaluru, is expected to face a harsh summer this year. Apart from the conservation measures already in place, are there any additional steps being taken to tackle the looming water crisis?
Authorities have intensified enforcement against water misuse, imposing a penalty of ₹5,000 per violation. So far, over 412 cases have been booked, generating ₹20.6 lakh in fines. While punitive measures are necessary, officials emphasise that raising public awareness is equally crucial.
Efforts to recharge underground water sources are also underway. This includes promoting rainwater harvesting and filling lakes with treated water.
“Last summer, 23 lakes were replenished using treated water, and this year, the target has been raised to 40 more, bringing the total to 63. These measures not only help recharge groundwater but also reduce dependence on fresh water. Additionally, the government is encouraging the use of treated water for cleaning and non-potable purposes to ease pressure on drinking water supplies," Manohar said.
Will Bengaluru Run Dry?
Manohar is optimistic: “Bengaluru will not be thirsty — Bengaluru should be thrifty in saving water."
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