Bengaluru groundwater crisis reaches alarming levels with 100% extraction
Bengaluru, a city once known for its ample groundwater reserves, is now grappling with an alarming groundwater crisis. The Central Groundwater Board’s latest report reveals that both Urban and Rural Bengaluru have reached 100% groundwater extraction in 2024, signifying the dire state of the city’s water resources. This means the city is using as much groundwater as it replenishes, leaving no buffer for future needs. For over a decade, Bengaluru has been drawing nearly double the amount of groundwater it can restore, making the situation unsustainable. Experts warn that the city is on the brink of a water catastrophe if current trends continue.
Sustainability Risks and Rising Dependency on Groundwater
While Karnataka as a whole remains within the “safe” category with an extraction rate of 68.4%, Bengaluru’s situation stands in stark contrast. The city’s reliance on groundwater has significantly increased over the years, with extraction levels jumping from 66.3% in 2023 to 68.4% in 2024. This growing dependency is compounded by the fact that Bengaluru’s reserves have been in the “over-exploited” category for several years, as confirmed by the Karnataka Groundwater Directorate. Public awareness around water conservation is now more crucial than ever, yet the increasing depletion of groundwater underscores the need for more sustainable water management strategies in urban areas.
The water shortage in Bengaluru is not a distant threat—it is a pressing civic issue that will affect millions in the coming years. Areas like Mahadevapura and Whitefield are expected to face severe water shortages as groundwater levels continue to fall. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has issued warnings to residents, urging them to avoid depending solely on groundwater and to explore alternative water sources. This is a call for civic action, where residents can no longer ignore the need for water conservation and better urban planning to secure Bengaluru’s future water supply.
The Role of Alternative Water Sources and Civic Action
As Bengaluru faces this mounting crisis, solutions like the Cauvery Phase 5 Project are stepping in to ease the pressure. The project has significantly boosted water supply, making Cauvery water a more sustainable option for the city. BWSSB Chairman, Ram Prasanth Manohar, has appealed to residents in high-risk wards, urging them to transition from groundwater to Cauvery water connections. This shift is not just a matter of convenience but a necessary step to ensure a sustainable water supply for the growing population. The urban sustainability angle here focuses on balancing water extraction with replenishment, ensuring future generations do not face the same water scarcity challenges that Bengaluru is currently experiencing.
Sustainability and Long-Term Solutions: A Wake-Up Call for Bengaluru
The sustainability of Bengaluru’s water resources is at a critical juncture, and the city must adopt a holistic approach to water management. Over-extraction of groundwater is not only unsustainable but also environmentally damaging, as it leads to diminishing water tables and land subsidence. Experts argue that the city needs to diversify its water sources, investing in rainwater harvesting, recycled water, and more efficient water management systems. Bengaluru’s rising water crisis highlights the need for cities to plan for the long term, where water conservation becomes an integral part of urban infrastructure development. If solutions like the Cauvery project are successful, it could pave the way for more sustainable urban water systems that help prevent similar crises in other growing cities across India.
