Amidst concerns over water scarcity in Bengaluru, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has embarked on a comprehensive initiative to promote rainwater harvesting (RWH) and traditional recharge wells as part of a long-term strategy to address the city’s water security challenges.
Recognising the critical need to revive traditional water conservation practices, BWSSB has taken proactive steps to educate and engage residents in sustainable water management solutions. One such initiative includes the establishment of a park in Koramangala’s National Games Village complex, where 26 models of rainwater harvesting systems are showcased, alongside five recharge wells. This park serves as a demonstration site, highlighting the effectiveness of RWH techniques and traditional recharge wells in replenishing groundwater levels.
Historically, Bengaluru has relied on open wells fed by shallow aquifers for domestic water supply. However, with the widespread adoption of borewells, groundwater depletion has become a pressing concern. In response, BWSSB has been advocating for the revival of rainwater harvesting and traditional recharge wells to replenish groundwater resources and mitigate water scarcity. The importance of recharge wells as a solution to depleting groundwater has been emphasised in various forums, including webinars jointly organised by Biome Environmental Trust, BWSSB, and Citizen Matters. These discussions underscore the simplicity and effectiveness of recharge wells in replenishing groundwater levels, presenting them as a viable solution to address Bengaluru’s water security challenges.
In light of increasing water stress and the urgent need for sustainable water management practices, BWSSB’s initiatives serve as a beacon of hope for Bengaluru’s water future. However, achieving long-term water security requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, emphasising the need for community engagement and participation in water conservation efforts. As BWSSB continues to champion rainwater harvesting and traditional recharge wells, it sends a clear message that there is no quick fix to water security, and everyone must play their part in ensuring sustainable water management practices for Bengaluru’s future.
