BWSSB pushes Cauvery water as groundwater dips
Bengaluru’s water infrastructure is undergoing a significant transformation, with the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) intensifying efforts to connect more households to the Cauvery water supply. In 2024, the agency received 58,543 applications for new connections, of which 38,013 were processed, generating a substantial revenue of ₹888 crore. The surge in applications was triggered by growing concerns over depleting groundwater reserves and an increasing demand for reliable water supply. The commissioning of the Cauvery V Stage project in October 2024 further accelerated the shift towards piped water connections, alleviating pressure on the city’s underground water resources.
Rising demand: Data reflects shifting water preferences
Before the launch of Cauvery V Stage, approximately 55,000 households had access to the city’s main water network. However, in recent months, applications have surged dramatically as residents, fearing water scarcity, rushed to secure connections. With Bengaluru set to receive 2,220 million litres per day (MLD) from the Cauvery river, BWSSB has assured applicants of uninterrupted water supply. “The response to our campaign has been very good. The number of applications has increased dramatically,” said BWSSB Chairman V Ram Prasath Manohar. The agency is now expediting work to provide connections to the remaining applicants, most of whom applied after October 16, 2024. While this expansion is a significant step towards addressing Bengaluru’s long-term water needs, civic planners stress the importance of strategic water conservation policies to prevent future crises.
Legal push: BWSSB considers mandatory Cauvery connections
As groundwater depletion remains a pressing concern, BWSSB is evaluating legal measures to make Cauvery V Stage connections mandatory for apartment complexes. “We believe this can be done legally to curb overexploitation of underground water reserves. A proposal will be submitted to the government soon,” Manohar stated. While this move could reduce dependence on borewells, it also raises questions about affordability and accessibility, particularly for lower-income households. Additionally, the project’s reach remains incomplete, with water supply yet to be extended to eight villages near Kadugodi and Chokkanahalli due to land disputes over ground-level reservoirs. Resolving these legal hurdles will be critical to ensuring equitable water distribution across the city.
Sustainability: A shift towards responsible water usage
With Bengaluru’s water crisis intensifying, experts argue that mere infrastructure expansion is not a long-term solution. Sustainable water management, including rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and stricter borewell regulations, must complement the Cauvery water supply network. Urban planners stress the need for resilient water policies that balance demand with conservation. The rapid depletion of groundwater in recent years has highlighted the urgency of shifting towards alternative water sources, but without an integrated approach, Bengaluru risks facing recurring shortages. As the city grows, ensuring sustainable and equitable access to water remains a crucial civic challenge.
