Bengaluru water crisis: Schools may face closure as water crisis worsens
schools are facing the possibility of temporary closures due to the city's escalating water shortage. The lack of water not only affects educational activities but also leaves children vulnerable to the scorching heat, with temperatures already exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. The city is experiencing a severe shortfall, needing 2,600 to 2,800 million litres of water per day but facing a deficit of over 1,500 MLD. More than 3,000 bore wells in the city have dried up, and 223 of the state's 236 talukas are affected by drought.
City's Water Crisis
The city's water crisis has reached such an acute stage that schools and residents willing to pay for water tankers are struggling to secure supplies. The destruction of lakes in Bengaluru, once known as the 'city of lakes,' has aggravated the situation. To address the crisis, the state government has taken over private water tankers, deploying over 200 on a contract basis to standardize rates.
Private Tanker Costs and Residents' Plight
The cost of water tankers has surged, with rates doubling to over ₹2,000. Residents have complained of private suppliers exploiting the situation. Even with payment, some areas face restrictions, such as RR Nagar, where residents can only fill one can of water at a time. Meanwhile, anticipating a severe summer, the state expects over 7,000 villages to face a drinking water crisis in the coming months.
Political Blame Game and State's Response
Political leaders are embroiled in a blame game, with the opposition BJP accusing the ruling
