Bengaluru Faces Looming Water Crisis as Groundwater Depletes
An IISc report warns of severe water shortages in over 80 wards, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management.
Alarming Groundwater Depletion Raises Concerns
Bengaluru is once again on the brink of a water crisis as groundwater levels continue to decline at an alarming rate. According to an interim report by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), around 80 wards in the city face a severe risk of water scarcity this summer. The report, which analyses historical, geospatial, and recent data, predicts a sharp drop in groundwater levels—5 metres in core areas, 10 to 15 metres in city municipal council (CMC) zones, and up to 25 metres in villages integrated into BBMP in 2007. With an estimated 800 million litres per day (MLD) of groundwater being extracted from borewells, experts warn that without immediate intervention, Bengaluru could see a crisis similar to last year’s water shortage. The most affected areas include Bommanahalli, Electronic City, Koramangala, Whitefield, and BTM Layout, among others, all of which are heavily reliant on borewells due to an inadequate water supply from the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
Wards at High Risk as Borewells Dry Up
The report identifies wards such as Jakkur, Thanisandra, Hebbal, Ramamurthy Nagar, Yeshwanthpura, Hoodi, Mahalakshmipuram, and Bommanahalli as critical zones likely to experience severe groundwater depletion. However, concerns have been raised regarding the accuracy of the report, as water experts point out that certain traditionally water-secure areas have been misclassified. Vishwanath S, a noted water expert, argues that wards like Jakkur, which have never faced a crisis, have been wrongly labelled as high-risk, while known water-stressed areas like Bellandur and Varthur are missing from the list. This discrepancy underscores the need for more robust data collection and real-time monitoring of groundwater levels. Experts have also called for a groundwater management cell within BBMP, along with mandatory water meters for all borewells, to regulate extraction and prevent over-exploitation.
The Sustainability Perspective: Need for Recharge and Conservation
Bengaluru’s water woes stem from uncontrolled extraction, poor recharge mechanisms, and declining rainfall patterns. While BBMP has continued to approve borewells as a short-term solution, there has been little to no effort in recharging them. Dr M Inayathulla M, Director of the Water Institute at UVCE, highlights that the lack of a structured recharge plan is worsening the crisis, as underground aquifers are drying up faster than they can be replenished. Sustainable solutions such as rainwater harvesting, lake rejuvenation, and decentralised wastewater treatment must be prioritised to restore groundwater levels. Additionally, implementing sponge city models, where urban landscapes are designed to absorb and store rainwater efficiently, could help Bengaluru mitigate future water crises. Without immediate policy interventions and public awareness initiatives, the city’s dependence on borewells will soon become unsustainable.
Civic Responsibility and Future Action
With the IISc report serving as a wake-up call, the onus now falls on civic authorities and residents to take proactive steps towards water conservation. The BWSSB and BBMP must work together to regulate borewell drilling, monitor groundwater levels, and promote large-scale adoption of rainwater harvesting systems. At the same time, citizens must also play their part by reducing wastage, adopting water-efficient practices, and supporting localised water recharge efforts. The Urban Development Department must integrate sustainable water management into future infrastructure projects, ensuring that Bengaluru’s rapid urbanisation does not come at the cost of its water security. With climate change exacerbating water shortages worldwide, Bengaluru must act now to secure its groundwater reserves and build a resilient water supply system for the future.
