Bengaluru, Karnataka’s vibrant capital, is grappling with a severe water crisis, exacerbated by a combination of factors including rapid urbanisation, pollution, and neglect of water management. In this explainer, we delve into the root causes of Bengaluru’s water crisis, their implications, and proposed solutions to address this pressing issue.
Q: What is the current water situation in Bengaluru?
A: Bengaluru is facing its worst drought in four decades, with the city barely managing half of its daily water demand of 2,600-2,800 million litres for its 14 million residents. Over 7,000 borewells have dried up, intensifying the crisis.
Q: What are the causes and consequences of this crisis?
A: The loss of Bengaluru’s blue-green infrastructure, including water bodies and green spaces, has hindered rainwater harvesting efforts. Pollution in vital water sources like the Vrushabhavathy river and Bellandur lake exacerbates the situation. Urban expansion and neglect of water management further strain resources.
Bengaluru is situated between two river basins. Towards its west flows the Vrushabhavathy and Arkavathy rivers, which are tributaries of the Cauvery, while to its east lies the Ponniyar or Dakshin Pinakini river. Unfortunately, the Vrushabhavathy, the sole river originating within the city, has suffered from pollution caused by sewage and industrial effluent discharge.
Q: What was the historical role of Bengaluru’s lakes in meeting its water needs?
A: Until around 30 years ago, Bengaluru relied significantly on its human-made lakes to fulfil its potable water requirements. Unlike many other major cities in India, Bengaluru isn’t situated near a major river or coastline.
Q: How did the city’s expansion impact its water sources?
A: Bengaluru’s transformation into India’s IT capital led to extensive urbanisation, resulting in the loss of its vital water repositories. Green areas were sacrificed as developers cleared land, and lake catchments were often used as dumping grounds for municipal waste and construction debris.
Q: What challenges arose due to urbanisation and development?
A: Concretization of land made it difficult for groundwater recharge to occur naturally. Despite warnings from institutions like the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute, successive governments failed to address these concerns. A 2017 study by the institute highlighted that 85% of Bengaluru’s remaining water bodies were severely polluted.
Q: How did infrastructure development fail to keep up with urbanisation?
A: Bengaluru’s water supply infrastructure struggled to match the pace of rapid urbanisation. As the city expanded, the demand for water increased, but infrastructure development lagged behind, exacerbating the water crisis.
Q: What are the implications of Karnataka’s water crisis for other major cities in India?
A: The water crisis in Karnataka’s capital serves as a crucial warning for other major cities across the country. Studies such as the Niti Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) highlight the severity of the situation, forecasting that 21 cities, including Bengaluru, could exhaust their groundwater by 2030. According to the CWMI, failure to implement mitigation measures could result in a significant 6% loss in India’s GDP by 2050.
Q: What solutions are proposed to mitigate the crisis?
A: Proposed solutions include rainwater harvesting mandates, lake rejuvenation, stringent wastewater treatment, and enforcing the “polluter pays” principle for industries. Additionally, creating mini forests and restoring lake inter-connectivity can aid conservation efforts.
Q: How can Bengaluru optimise its water supply?
A: Efforts to augment water supply from the Cauvery River, including the construction of the Mekadatu reservoir, aim to address shortages. However, the focus should also shift towards local solutions to minimise resource expenditure and environmental impact.
Q: What measures can be taken for wastewater treatment and reuse?
A: Bengaluru generates significant wastewater daily, offering an opportunity for recycling and reducing freshwater demand. Learning from models like Chennai’s indirect potable reuse and improving standards for wastewater treatment and reuse mechanisms are vital steps.
Q: How can groundwater replenishment be improved?
A: Utilising open spaces for rainwater recharge during the monsoon season is crucial to stabilise groundwater levels. Such initiatives can mitigate seasonal fluctuations and enhance water security for the city.
Q: What role does environmental awareness play in addressing the crisis?
A: Enhanced environmental literacy and integrating conservation practices into daily routines are crucial for sustainable water management. Embracing nature-based solutions and waste minimization strategies can further alleviate the water crisis.
In conclusion, tackling Bengaluru’s water crisis requires a comprehensive approach involving policy interventions, infrastructure development, and community engagement to ensure long-term water sustainability.