Bengaluru is poised to experience a summer without any significant water shortage, as the KRS (Krishna Raja Sagara) dam, the city’s main source of drinking water, currently holds 27 tmcft of water.
This is well above the 6 tmcft requirement for the city, ensuring that there will be no shortage of water for the upcoming season. The city’s water security has been bolstered further by the commissioning of an additional 775 million litres per day (MLD) of water by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in October 2024, bringing the total Cauvery water supply capacity to 2,250 MLD.Despite this ample water supply, issues in the outer areas of Bengaluru persist. According to the BWSSB Chairman, there have been distribution challenges in these parts of the city. However, efforts are underway to rectify these pipeline issues on an urgent basis, ensuring that water reaches even the most remote areas shortly.
The BWSSB’s total water allocation from both the KRS and Kabini reservoirs stands at 35 tmcft, while the total Cauvery water requirement for Bengaluru is 29 tmcft. While the KRS dam holds 27 tmcft, the Kabini reservoir has a storage of 11 tmcft. The water levels in these reservoirs have improved significantly compared to the same time last year, where the KRS held only 13.42 tmcft and Kabini had 9.39 tmcft. This year’s abundant rainfall has been credited for the current water surplus, offering a more than adequate supply for the city’s needs for at least two seasons.Despite these positive developments, there is growing concern over the depletion of underground water sources, particularly in areas like Mahadevapura and Whitefield. Reports indicate that groundwater levels in 80 wards spread across Bengaluru North, Mahadevapura, and Whitefield are extremely low, with residents increasingly dependent on groundwater for daily needs.
This over-exploitation of underground water resources has prompted the BWSSB to restrict permissions for drilling new borewells in these areas.To address this issue, the BWSSB has launched the ‘Sanchari Cauvery Water Supply’ scheme, which provides affordable tanker water supply to areas struggling with water shortages. The BWSSB has also made it clear that individuals who continue to drill illegal borewells will face legal consequences, with 27 FIRs already registered for such offences. Additionally, the BWSSB has taken legal action against 412 cases of misuse of drinking water, including using it for washing vehicles and cleaning construction areas.While the situation for Bengaluru’s water supply this summer looks secure, the ongoing depletion of groundwater serves as a reminder of the city’s unsustainable reliance on this resource. The authorities are urging residents in affected areas to connect to the Cauvery water supply and adopt water conservation measures. In a city where rapid urbanisation and over-exploitation of natural resources are constant challenges, securing sustainable and equitable water distribution remains a priority for the future. Ensuring that every part of the city has equal access to clean and adequate water, while also safeguarding groundwater resources, will be critical in navigating the city’s future water challenges.
