The Bengaluru city is experiencing one of its worst water crises with residential complexes and state government pulling all stops to manage the situation. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and other officials convened a meeting on March 5 to discuss the issue. Here are 10 updates on what Bengaluru is faced with:
Bengaluru gets its water from two main sources: the Cauvery River, which supplies 1,450 million litres per day (MLD) of surface water, and borewells created by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which supply an additional 700 MLD of water that is distributed by Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). The city was expected to receive an additional 775 MLD from the Cauvery V Stage project, set to be commissioned in April. However, due to an acute shortage of rainfall in the Cauvery basin, these calculations may have been disrupted. BWSSB reported a 50% decrease in water input to the city.
Reduced water stocks in the reservoirs of the Cauvery River basin and falling groundwater levels stem from weak southwest monsoon rainfall. This has affected irrigation and caused a drinking water crisis in parts of Bengaluru. The crisis is also attributed to rapid urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure.
The crisis has not only affected the drinking water supply but also irrigation. Reports indicate that of the 14,700 borewells in the city, 6,997 have dried up. While the BWSSB stated that the situation was manageable in central areas, the crisis was more severe in the city’s outskirts.
The water crisis is expected to worsen in Karnataka during the summer months. According to a government estimate, 1,193 wards in the Bengaluru Urban district and at least 7,082 villages around the state might experience a drinking water crisis in the coming months.
To solve the situation, the Karnataka government has set aside ₹556 crore. Each MLA representing Bengaluru has been allotted ₹10 crore to address water scarcity in their constituencies. Additionally, BBMP has allocated ₹148 crore, while BWSSB has earmarked ₹128 crore to tackle the issue.
Authorities are implementing emergency measures to tackle the issue at hand. They have demanded the registration of each private water tanker in the city and seized control of all commercial and irrigation borewells. Residents are also taking emergency measures, such as limiting car and balcony washing, using only half a bucket of water for bathing, and implementing half flush. They are also using the economy cycle of washing machines and utilising wastewater from aqua guard filters for cleaning.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar told ANI, “Water doesn’t belong to any individual; it is for everyone.” He announced the creation of a war room where officials would work to find solutions. The government aims to fix a common price for water tankers and use water sources within a 15-kilometre periphery of cities to supply water to urban areas. Plans are underway to use water tankers to transport water from other towns, including Hosakote, Magadi, Channapatna, and Ramanagara.
Shivakumar mentioned that among the 3,500 water tankers in Bengaluru, only 219 have completed registration with the authorities. He warned that the state government would seize tankers of owners who do not register by the March 7 deadline. Private water tankers are currently charging between ₹500-2000 per tanker, but the government aims to negotiate a standard price with the tanker association.
Shivakumar criticised the Centre for delaying approval of the Mekedatu reservoir project, which he believes could alleviate Bengaluru’s water woes. He urged the Centre to approve the project, given the severity of the crisis.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also laid the foundation stone for the Vrishabhavati Lift Irrigation Project in the Nelamangala Assembly Constituency on March 4. He said that the water issues in Bengaluru, the neighbouring rural regions, and the Tumkur districts will be permanently resolved by this initiative.
Meanwhile, the residents, including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, are dependent on tankers for their daily water requirements. A tanker was seen entering the CM’s office on Wednesday.
Additionally, Shivakumar told ANI during a news conference held at the head office of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) that over 3,000 borewells in Bengaluru have dried up. Expressing concern, he mentioned, “We are worried about it because all the borewells, including the one at my house, have dried up.”
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
BJP is planning to ban RSS, says Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray
May 18, 2024 8:01 PM
Punjab Lok Sabha elections: Complete list of Congress candidates
May 18, 2024 4:08 PM
Punjab Lok Sabha elections: Check full list of AAP candidates and constituencies
May 18, 2024 12:59 PM
PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi election rallies in Delhi today: Here are the routes to avoid
May 18, 2024 11:28 AM