In a grim development, Bengaluru, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India, is grappling with a severe water crisis exacerbated by the failure of both the southwest and northeast monsoons. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has pointed to the El Nino effect as a primary factor behind the scanty rainfall in Karnataka, leaving the state, and particularly its capital city, parched.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), responsible for water distribution in the city, is facing challenges due to declining groundwater levels, depleting reservoirs, and dried-up bore-wells. The iconic Cauvery river, a lifeline for Bengaluru’s water supply, has witnessed a significant reduction, impacting both drinking water supply and irrigation. An official from the BWSSB highlighted the dire situation, noting that the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam in Madhya district, a crucial source of Cauvery water for Bengaluru, lacks sufficient water due to the scorching summer. The rapidly rising temperatures, reaching a record high of 36 degrees Celsius on March 6, have further exacerbated the crisis. This marks the highest temperature recorded in March since 1986. The environmental toll of rapid urbanisation is evident, with Bengaluru losing a staggering 79% of its water bodies and 88% of its green cover over the past four decades. Concrete-covered areas have expanded 11-fold, contributing to the environmental degradation that intensifies the water scarcity issue.
The plight of residents is palpable, with visuals of women waiting in queues with half-filled buckets for water tankers becoming a common sight. As the city grapples with the immediate challenges, experts emphasise the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and increased awareness about the consequences of unchecked urbanisation. The convergence of climate change, insufficient rainfall, and urban development underscores the critical importance of comprehensive water conservation strategies to secure Bengaluru’s future against recurring water crises.
