SITUATION

• Bengaluru requires 2 billion liters of water daily for its 14 million residents.
• Water supply has dwindled by 50%, prompting water-saving measures like alternate day bathing
• Bengaluru requires 2 billion liters of water daily for its 14 million residents.
• Water supply has dwindled by 50%, prompting water-saving measures like alternate day bathing.
• Karnataka CM acknowledges a daily shortage of 500 MLD of water in Bengaluru.

REASONS FOR THE CRISIS

1. Prolonged Droughts and Concretisation
   • Drastic reduction in green cover over five decades, with 86% of the area now paved.
   • Concretisation hinders rainwater replenishment of groundwater, worsening the crisis.
2. Dependence on Groundwater
   • Overreliance on groundwater due to concretisation, with half of Bengaluru’s population dependent on it.
   • Rapid depletion of groundwater due to excessive extraction.
3. Depletion of Native Rivers
   • Native rivers like Vrushabhavathi reduced to drainage channels, leading to dependence on distant sources like the Cauvery River.
   • Depletion of water resources in neighbouring districts due to increased reliance on distant rivers.
4. Unplanned Urban Growth
   • Unregulated urban growth has eroded green cover, overexploited natural resources, and encroached on lakes.
   • Strain on water availability due to rapid urbanisation.
5. Inequitable Water Distribution
   • Despite annual rainfall of 900 mm, inadequate infrastructure diverts a significant portion of water into drains.
   • Uneven per capita water consumption, leading to disparities in water access among residents.
6. Pollution and Encroachment of Water Bodies
   • Bellandur Lake and other water bodies heavily polluted due to industrial effluents and sewage.
   • Encroachments on water bodies restrict natural percolation and groundwater recharge, exacerbating the crisis.

EFFORTS – CHALLENGES – NEED

• Karnataka government proposes urgent steps like water supply from nearby towns, using milk tankers, and drilling borewells.
• Allocated budget of Rs 131 crore for borewell drilling and measures to control water prices.
• Concerns about the effectiveness of proposed strategies, especially given reduced water levels in public borewells.
• Lack of clarity on fund utilization for water purification and recycling.
• Previous policies like Karnataka Water Policy 2022 haven’t brought significant changes on the ground.
• Challenges stem from population growth, urbanization, and industrial/agricultural practices.
• BWSSB acknowledges challenges due to over-reliance on Cauvery and inadequate water management.
• Projected population growth exacerbates the water supply-demand gap.
• BWSSB proposes innovative measures like Water Future Hub and Water Centre for effective water management.
• Need for human-centric approaches in water governance to address real beneficiaries and challenges
• Urgent steps needed to address water poverty sensitively and effectively.
• Emphasis on understanding and addressing the root causes of water crisis beyond technical solutions.

WHAT IS GOVERNMENT DOING

• Financial Allocation and MLA Involvement: The Karnataka government has allocated a substantial budget of ₹556 crore to address the water crisis. Each MLA representing Bengaluru receives ₹10 crore to address water scarcity in their respective areas, ensuring a focused and localized approach to water management.
• Collaboration and Funding: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) have contributed ₹148 crore and ₹128 crore, respectively, to support water conservation efforts. This collaborative funding approach enhances the scale and impact of water-saving initiatives.
• Water Tanker Regulation and Fair Pricing: The government has implemented measures to regulate water tankers, ensuring fair pricing and preventing overcharging. Tankers not registered by the deadline faced potential seizure, encouraging compliance and transparency in water distribution.
• War Room and Real-Time Monitoring: A dedicated “war room” has been established to monitor the water situation in real time. This initiative, led by the Deputy Chief Minister and top officials, allows for proactive decision-making and immediate response to emerging water challenges.
• Infrastructure Development and Relief Measures: The government is investing in infrastructure development, including drilling new borewells and managing private borewells more effectively. Relief measures, such as providing financial support to farmers and deploying water tankers to villages, demonstrate a holistic approach to addressing water scarcity.
• Potable Water Management and Conservation: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has implemented water usage restrictions, penalties for violations, and reporting mechanisms to ensure responsible water usage. These measures aim to conserve potable water and reduce wastage.
• Task Forces and Local Initiatives: Task forces at the taluk level are actively working to ensure access to drinking water, fodder, and employment opportunities. Local administration initiatives, including acquiring private borewells and compensating owners fairly, contribute to sustainable water management practices.
• Awareness and Community Engagement: Raising awareness among communities and encouraging responsible water practices are essential components of the water-saving efforts. Community engagement, support for water conservation policies, and advocacy for sustainable solutions are crucial for long-term water security.

STRATEGIES

• Rejuvenate Natural Water Flow:
  • Identify natural paths of water flow, including springs, tanks, and bore wells.
  • Plant trees along these paths to increase soil’s water absorption capacity.
  • Ensure groundwater surges to make streams, springs, and rivers more affluent.
• Utilize Western Ghats for Recharge:
  • Recognize the Western Ghats as crucial groundwater rechargers.
  • Implement measures to protect and enhance groundwater recharge in these areas.
• Address Urbanization Effects:
  • Acknowledge the negative impact of urbanization on water absorption.
  • Develop strategies to counteract urbanization’s effects on water conservation.
• Customized Sewage Management:
  • Implement a customized sewage management model tailored to Bengaluru’s needs.
  • Prevent water seepage during monsoons and address flooding issues caused by drainage system flaws.
• Identify Natural Water Paths:
  • Identify and clear obstructions along natural water paths to ensure smooth flow.
  • Remove barriers that hinder water absorption and conservation.
• Increase Green Cover:
  • Promote initiatives to increase green cover throughout the city.
  • Plant trees strategically to enhance natural water retention and absorption.
• Manage Water Resources Effectively:
  • Develop sustainable water management practices.
  • Implement measures to conserve and reuse water efficiently.