Cauvery Water Stage VI Project Approved, 30 Lakh Residents Around Bengaluru to Get Drinking Water Boost

In a major push to strengthen Bengaluru's water infrastructure, the Karnataka government on Thursday approved the ambitious Cauvery Stage VI project, aimed at supplying drinking water to newly developed layouts and eight urban local bodies (ULBs) on the city's outskirts.

The nearly ₹7,000-crore project is expected to provide regular Cauvery water supply to Kempegowda Layout, Shivarama Karanth Layout and surrounding areas, benefiting an estimated 30 lakh residents in the coming years. The move is seen as a crucial step in easing water stress in rapidly growing residential zones.

Areas to Benefit

Under the project, Cauvery water will be extended to the following ULBs:

Madanayakanahalli

Chikkabanavara

Hunasemaranahalli

Nelamangala

Hoskote

Devanahalli

Bashettihalli

Vijayapura

These peripheral areas around Bengaluru have witnessed rapid urbanisation and a steady population increase, resulting in rising demand for reliable drinking water supply.

Land Requirement and Funding Plan

According to official sources, the project will require around 130 acres of land, valued at approximately ₹1,800 crore. To finance the large-scale infrastructure works, the government plans to seek assistance from international agencies, including the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), along with other funding institutions.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) prepared the detailed project report and submitted it to the government in 2025 after conducting technical studies and future demand assessments. Following review of the proposal, the government has now granted formal approval.

Building on Cauvery Stage V

The clearance comes just four months after the inauguration of the Cauvery Stage V project, which added 775 million litres per day (MLD) of water supply to Bengaluru.

With Stage VI now approved, authorities aim to further strengthen water security for the city and its expanding suburbs, ensuring sustainable supply as Bengaluru continues to grow beyond its traditional limits.

The project is expected to play a critical role in supporting planned layouts and emerging townships, reducing dependence on groundwater and private tankers in the long term.