8 Reasons for Bangalore’s Water Scarcity

Are you someone who calls Bangalore home, whether by birth or by fate? If so, you likely hold a deep affection for our bustling city. However, as the scorching summer months roll in, we are confronted with a significant challenge – the scarcity of water. Indeed, water, the essence of life, becomes a precious commodity, particularly during the hotter periods.

So, why does Bangalore grapple with such a dire shortage of water? Let’s explore the underlying reasons behind bangalore water scarcity :

1. Inadequate Water Infrastructure: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) continue to face hurdles in extending water pipelines to the outer zones such as Bellandur, Singasandra, and Ramamurthy Nagar. Consequently, these areas heavily rely on water supplied by tankers, exacerbating the problem.
2. Unfulfilled Government Initiatives: Despite assurances from successive governments, schemes aimed at resolving the water crisis often remain on paper, failing to translate into tangible solutions.
3. Reliance on Rainwater: Bangalore’s water woes are further compounded by the struggle of major reservoirs like Krishnaraj Sagar (KRS) and Kabini to maintain adequate water levels. With limited water reserves for drinking purposes, the city’s dependence on rainfall becomes precarious.
4. Diminishing Water Bodies: The rapid urbanization of Bangalore comes at the expense of its natural beauty, as lakes and tanks fall victim to encroachment, depriving the city of its water sources and aesthetic appeal.
5. Overexploitation of Groundwater: With the disappearance of natural water bodies, groundwater becomes a lifeline for many. However, excessive extraction and inadequate recycling exacerbate the depletion of this vital resource.
6. Deepening Borewells: Borewells, once a reliable source of water, now require increasingly deeper drilling, reflecting the drastic decline in groundwater levels over the years.
7. Challenges with Supply Water: The absence of a reliable government water supply leaves residents dependent on tanker water, a system plagued by irregularities in sourcing, sanitation, availability, and pricing.
8. Impacts of Unpredictable Monsoons: The city’s susceptibility to climate change manifests in unreliable monsoons and diminishing groundwater recharge. With fossil water reserves nearly depleted, Bangalore’s reliance on rainwater becomes increasingly precarious.

In light of these challenges, it is imperative for Bangaloreans to unite and devise sustainable solutions to safeguard our city’s most precious resource – water. After all, it’s not merely a matter of quenching our thirst; it’s about preserving our home for generations to come.