Why Bengaluru is grappling with water crisis [Video]

Bengaluru is once again faced with a severe water crisis and nearly 6,997 of the city’s 14,700 borewells have run dry. In response to the growing crisis, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, cabinet ministers, and officials called a crucial meeting to address the shortage of drinking water in the state capital.

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar issued a stern warning to water tanker owners, threatening overhaul if they failed to register their tankers with the authorities by the March 7 deadline. Currently, only 10% of the total water tankers in Bengaluru have completed the registration process.

Why the Crisis?

Weakened southwest monsoon rainfalls depleted groundwater levels, while diminished water reserves in the Cauvery River basin reservoirs further compounded the issue. The city’s rapid urbanisation against its inadequate infrastructure has further exacerbated the scarcity.

Given the situation, apartments and gated communities have instituted stringent measures to conserve water. Rationing measures are being implemented, alongside initiatives such as pool closures and …