World
India
Bengaluru’s outskirts are witnessing a drastic drop in groundwater levels, with depletion ranging between 10 to 15 metres this year. As the peak pre-monsoon months of March and April approach, experts warn that the crisis could worsen, pushing the city towards severe water shortages.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has raised concerns over the alarming situation. A study revealed that while central Bengaluru recorded a groundwater decline of five metres compared to last year, the city’s peripheral regions, including the City Municipal Corporation areas and 110 surrounding villages, experienced a far steeper drop of up to 15 metres.
BWSSB Pushes for Cauvery Water Connections
In response to the crisis, BWSSB has urged apartment residents to switch from borewells to Cauvery water connections. BWSSB chairman V Ramprasath Manohar emphasized that eastern and northern Bengaluru are particularly affected, with groundwater plummeting by 20 to 25 metres in some locations.
“If residents continue depending on borewells, private water tanker prices could skyrocket, leading to exploitation,” Manohar warned. He highlighted the urgency for residents to shift to Cauvery water to avoid dependency on an unregulated water supply system.
Water Tankers to Get Costlier Amidst Shortage
Bengaluru’s reliance on borewells and water tankers is expected to become an expensive affair as the water table continues to decline. BWSSB officials anticipate a surge in water tanker prices, warning that unregulated suppliers may hike rates as scarcity intensifies.
To mitigate this, BWSSB is setting up 16 Cauvery Connect Centres across the 110 villages under Cauvery Stage V coverage. The board is also launching an online booking system where residents can request water tankers at a fixed rate of ₹90 per tanker through a new BWSSB app, expected to roll out in early March.
New Water Usage Rules and Strict Monitoring from April
From April 1, 2025, BWSSB will take full control of borewells and RO plants under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The move aims to regulate water distribution efficiently and curb misuse.
Additionally, BWSSB teams will conduct regular inspections across the city, monitoring excessive water consumption and imposing penalties for wastage. Officials stress that strict action will be taken against those found misusing potable water.
With the impending water crisis, BWSSB’s measures highlight the urgency of water conservation and efficient resource management. Residents are urged to take proactive steps to secure sustainable water sources before the situation worsens.
ALSO READ: CM Stalin Warns Centre Over Language Policy: ‘Don’t Throw Stones At A Beehive’
