Bengaluru Faces Water Crisis as Groundwater Levels Decline
Bengaluru is staring down the barrel of a looming water crisis this summer, as groundwater levels continue to decline across the city. According to a recent study conducted by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), areas such as Mahadevapura and Whitefield, which are heavily reliant on borewells, are facing a sharp decline in water levels. The study has identified 80 wards and 110 villages as being at significant risk of water shortages, primarily due to their dependence on dwindling groundwater supplies.
In light of this, the BWSSB has issued a stern warning urging residents to seek alternative water sources. Ram Prasanth Manohar, the chairman of BWSSB, stated, “We strongly advise residents, especially those in high-risk wards, to transition to Cauvery water connections. The Cauvery Phase 5 Project has significantly boosted the city’s water supply, offering a more sustainable alternative for Bengaluru’s growing population.” The Cauvery water supply has long been seen as a more reliable and sustainable source of water for the city, especially as groundwater resources continue to deplete.
This initiative is a critical part of a broader strategy to safeguard the city’s water future. The study, hailed as a pioneering effort in India, shows a staggering estimated daily extraction of 800 million litres of water from Bengaluru’s borewells. Central Bengaluru is predicted to see a 5-metre drop in groundwater levels, while city municipal corporations (CMC) areas may experience a dip between 10 to 15 metres. For the 110 villages under Bengaluru’s jurisdiction, the decline could be as steep as 20 to 25 metres. These alarming figures underscore the urgency of shifting to a more sustainable water management system, with a focus on surface water sources such as the Cauvery river.
The collaboration between IISc scientists, groundwater development departments, and the Karnataka state government is part of an extensive six-month study to analyse the city’s water supply data. This task force has developed a long-term action plan to mitigate the water crisis in the coming years. This comprehensive approach is not only aimed at managing Bengaluru’s current water shortage but also at addressing the broader issue of sustainability within urban infrastructure. Managing water resources sustainably is key to ensuring the city’s resilience against future water crises.
From a sustainability standpoint, the shift from over-reliance on groundwater to more sustainable alternatives, such as the Cauvery supply, is critical for Bengaluru’s long-term water security. Urban areas like Bengaluru, which have been growing rapidly, face increasing pressures on their water resources. With groundwater levels depleting at an alarming rate, the urgency to transition to surface water supplies cannot be overstated. The promotion of sustainable water management practices, through initiatives like the Cauvery water supply, will help preserve groundwater and ensure the availability of water for future generations. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of scientific research in tackling urban water challenges and creating solutions that benefit both the environment and the citizens of Bengaluru.
