Severe water shortage in Bengaluru: Express View on Bengaluru’s looming water crisis: The warning

Source: The post severe water shortage in Bengaluru has been created, based on the article “Express View on Bengaluru’s looming water crisis: The warning”published in “Indian express” on 16th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Environment- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,

News: The article discusses the severe water shortage in Bengaluru, Karnataka, due to drought. It explains how the city’s water sources, like lakes, have been polluted and mismanaged. The situation warns other Indian cities about the need for better water management.

For details information on Water Crisis in India read here

What is the current water situation in Bengaluru?

Bengaluru is experiencing its worst drought in 40 years, leading to a critical water shortage. The city requires 2,600-2,800 million liters of water daily for its nearly 14 million residents but is only able to supply about half of this. The shortage has affected schools, hospitals, and industries. Many of the city’s over 13,000 borewells have dried up, with nearly 7,000 no longer functional.

What caused this water crisis?

Rapid Urbanization: Bengaluru expanded into the country’s IT capital, leading to the loss of water sources. Lakes, once crucial for the city’s water needs, were neglected.

Environmental Mismanagement: Developers cleared green spaces and lake catchments became dumping sites for waste and debris.

Groundwater Depletion: Excessive construction made groundwater recharge difficult. About 7,000 of over 13,000 borewells have dried up.

Pollution of Water Bodies: A study by the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute revealed 85% of Bengaluru’s water bodies are severely polluted.

Ignoring Warnings: Successive governments overlooked several alarms about the deteriorating water situation.

What are the concerns related to the water crisis?

1.Studies Niti Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) in 2018 predict that many cities will face similar water shortages by 2030 if no action is taken.

For information on Niti Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index read Article 1, Article 2

2. Studies have pointed out that the pace of groundwater use in India far exceeds that of aquifer recharge.
3. If the situation doesn’t improve, India could face a 6% GDP loss by 2050.

Way forward

To address the crisis, solutions like rainwater harvesting, reviving and cleaning water bodies, and improving water supply infrastructure are crucial. These strategies must be implemented to prevent further depletion and ensure sustainable water management.

Question for practice:

Discuss the factors contributing to the severe water shortage in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and propose potential solutions to address the crisis.