India’s IT hub, Bengaluru, is grappling with its most severe water shortage in its history. The city, founded by Kempe Gowda nearly 500 years ago, finds itself echoing the water woes of Cape Town in 2018. Over 30 localities are now on a strict alternate-day water supply, raising fears of a “Day Zero” – the day the taps run dry.
Experts point to a confluence of factors that have exacerbated the crisis. Bengaluru, much like Cape Town, has witnessed phenomenal growth in recent decades. This rapid urbanization has come at a heavy environmental cost. Once plentiful lakes and wetlands, crucial for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, have been relentlessly swallowed by concrete jungles. A 2016 conference on international lakes had prophetically warned of this very scenario, highlighting how government policies prioritized urban development over environmental conservation for the past 30 years.
The city’s dependence on distant rivers for its water supply further adds to its vulnerability. With recurring droughts becoming a grim reality due to climate change, these sources are no longer reliable. The Cauvery river, a primary source, is already strained due to disputes with neighboring states.
The current crisis has cast a long shadow over the city’s future. Residents, particularly those who cannot afford to relocate, are facing immense hardship. Daily routines are disrupted, with people forced to scramble for water during their designated supply windows. The crisis disproportionately impacts low-income settlements, where access to water tankers is limited.
The exodus of residents has begun, with some even abandoning plans to relocate to Bengaluru due to the water scarcity. This talent drain could severely impact the city’s booming IT sector. Businesses are also starting to feel the pinch, with concerns rising about the city’s ability to sustain its economic growth.
The situation demands urgent action on multiple fronts. Water conservation measures need to be aggressively implemented, both at the household and industry level. Rainwater harvesting systems must be made mandatory across residential and commercial buildings. Simultaneously, the revival of Bengaluru’s lost lakes and wetlands is critical. Restoration projects should be undertaken to restore their natural capacity for water storage and recharge groundwater aquifers.
The crisis serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unsustainable development practices. Bengaluru’s predicament offers a valuable case study for other rapidly growing cities across the globe. As the city grapples with its water woes, the question remains: can Bengaluru avert a Day Zero, or will it become yet another cautionary tale of environmental neglect?
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This article first appeared on The WIRE and is brought to you by Hyphen Digital Network
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