Bengaluru water crisis: Why Indian IT hub is witnessing one of the worst water shortage
Bengaluru residents.
Why is Bengaluru facing a severe water crisis?
The inadequate rainfall has led to a significant drop in the water levels of the Cauvery River, adversely affecting both drinking water supply and agricultural irrigation. Furthermore, the depletion of borewells exacerbates the situation, highlighting the dire need for immediate action.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar disclosed that out of the 14,781 borewells under the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), 6,997 have ceased to yield water.
As per the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC), the water levels in key Cauvery Basin reservoirs, including Harangi, Hemavathi, KRS, and Kabini, stand at a mere 39 percent of their total capacity as of February 28. These reservoirs currently hold approximately 44.65 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water, a stark contrast to last year's 64.61 TMC at the same period.
According to the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), the water scarcity is particularly acute in the city's outskirts, while central areas face a somewhat manageable situation.
What Karnataka govt is doing to overcome water crisis?
To address this pressing issue, the state government has devised a plan involving the utilization of milk tankers from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) to transport water to Bengaluru. Additionally, the government intends to take control of private borewells within the city and its vicinity.
Shiv
