Bengaluru’s ambitious plan to construct a 191-kilometre underground tunnel road network, designed to alleviate road congestion by connecting 11 high-density corridors, is now facing scrutiny over its potential environmental impacts. While the project promises to streamline traffic flow, experts have raised alarms about its implications for the city’s water resources. Concerns centre on how the extensive tunnelling could disrupt the flow of underground water, potentially exacerbating Bengaluru’s existing water scarcity issues.
The state cabinet recently approved the first phase of the project, which entails an 18.5-kilometre tunnel linking Hebbal to the Central Silk Board junction, with an estimated cost of INR 12,690 crore. However, the project’s geological complexities—including hard rock formations and soil prone to settlement—pose significant challenges. These factors not only complicate the tunnelling process but also risk damaging existing structures and compromising tunnel stability. Additionally, the construction could hinder the natural flow of underground water, potentially creating dykes that block water movement and aggravate water shortages.
Experts, including former director of the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, have highlighted the risks of disrupting groundwater supplies. The city already faces challenges with over 5,000 dry borewells and an increasing reliance on the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for its water needs. The BWSSB currently provides 1,450 million litres per day from the Cauvery River, with plans to increase this supply. However, with the proposed tunnel road potentially impacting local groundwater sources, there is growing concern about the feasibility and long-term sustainability of the city’s water supply.
while the tunnel road project aims to modernise Bengaluru’s infrastructure, it is crucial that the government addresses these environmental concerns thoroughly. The potential water crisis underscores the need for comprehensive feasibility studies, particularly regarding hydrology and hydrogeology, to ensure that the project does not exacerbate existing water issues. As Bengaluru continues to expand, integrating robust water management strategies with infrastructural development will be essential for sustaining both urban growth and water resources.
