Bengaluru, the city known for its high-tech industry, parks and pleasant weather is currently grappling with one of the most severe water shortages in its history. With dwindling rainfall and groundwater levels, the city is on the brink of facing acute water crisis. Despite numerous warnings from climate and water experts, no concerted and timely action was taken which resulted in this misery. The idea of Bengaluru becoming a 'water-deficient' city seemed far-fetched, given its past history of sufficient rainfall. However, the reality on the ground speaks for itself.

This month, our cover story on 'Bengaluru water crisis' highlights that Bengaluru relies primarily on the Cauvery River which is the lifeline for the citizenry and the piped water reaches every home that is supplied by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB). However, as the city has expanded, certain areas, particularly on the outskirts, have limited access to river water and rely heavily on borewell water and water tankers. The current water shortage may be majorly attributed to a failed monsoon that led to water levels dropping significantly in the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam, a key reservoir. Additionally, groundwater levels have depleted or have drastically reduced in many areas. Experts think apart from the challenges of deforestation and climate change, the general systemic and institutional apathy as well as lack of proactive response have led to this chaos. One may not ignore the fact of unbridled planning and conversion of Bengaluru into a concrete jungle which has also contributed significantly to the crisis the city faces today. Experts believe that landscape of the city has been transformed into nonporous paved surface which has restricted the groundwater recharging opportunity. Maintaining groundwater table calls for adequate vegetation cover and rejuvenation of water bodies. It is ironic that the city which once had 1000 lakes and often referred to as 'city of lakes' can no longer take the pride as several lakes dried up over time and it is down to just nearly 200 lakes.

Bengaluru's water shortage has put immense strain especially among the vulnerable sections of the society who can't afford to purchase water from tankers and any other sources. The experts have suggested some immediate and long-term steps to make Bengaluru water sustainable. One of the logical and immediate step to conserve water is enforcement of rainwater harvesting in every home. Another critical step is to rejuvenate lakes by desilting and removing other sediments. Care should be taken to ensure that industrial and sewage effluents are not let in lakes so that clean water can recharge groundwater tables.

Bengaluru residents together can make a huge difference by changing their daily habits and issues of water wastage could be significantly addressed through a collective commitment. The BWSSB has already passed an order banning water usage for car washing, water fountains, gardening, construction and maintenance work, etc., but compliance to such a call would require city-citizenry interface and should be made part of the shared goal.