Amid Bengaluru”s unprecedented water crisis, the state government is actively pursuing alternative solutions, such as tapping into recycled and treated water from residents” associations. Helplines are inundated with calls as the city faces a staggering shortfall of over 1,500 MLD (Million Liters Per Day) in its daily water requirement, which typically ranges between 2,600 MLD to 2,800 MLD. The cost of water tankers has surged, recently peaking at Rs 2,000.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of Karnataka assured that the state is working on a war footing to tackle the crippling water crisis in Bengaluru. He revealed that over 3,000 borewells in the city have run dry, including the one at his own home. “All the borewells are dry, including the one at my house,” Shivakumar told reporters.
Assuring relentless efforts, he stated, “We are working round the clock to identify every possible source of water. I am personally overseeing this matter with utmost seriousness. After convening meetings with all relevant officials, we are taking charge of all water reservoirs and diligently identifying points of water availability.”
He also spoke about exhaustive efforts, including the exploration of 217 tunnels. “Despite our best efforts, more than 3,000 borewells have dried up in Bangalore. We”re reliant on whatever water trickles in from the Cauvery,” Shivakumar added.
The crisis has escalated into a political standoff, with leaders from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the government of failing to implement effective water management measures. The BJP leadership issued a stern ultimatum, warning of impending protests if decisive action is not taken by the Karnataka government within a week.
Shivakumar criticised the Centre for its lack of support regarding the Mekedatu project. “We are facing an extremely dire situation. This is precisely why we marched in support of the Mekedatu project, which is crucial for our water security. I hope the central government will at least come to our rescue now to see the Mekedatu problem is solved,” he urged.
Shivakumar had maintained that the proposed Mekedatu project, aimed at constructing a balancing reservoir in the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, is the sole solution to the water-sharing dispute with neighboring states.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has drawn up a comprehensive plan to combat the water crisis by establishing control rooms and dedicated helpline numbers. Task forces, spearheaded by local MLAs, have been assembled to tackle the drought situation gripping the state, particularly focusing on the 223 out of 236 Taluks declared drought-hit, with 219 facing severe repercussions.
Expecting a brutal summer this year, the government warns that 7,082 villages across Karnataka, along with 1,193 wards, including those in Bengaluru Urban district, are at risk of facing a drinking water crisis in the coming months.
According to a report from the revenue department, Tumakuru district leads with 746 vulnerable villages, while Uttara Kannada has the highest number of vulnerable wards. Bengaluru Urban district is not spared, with 174 villages and 120 wards identified as susceptible to the impending water shortage.
The government is actively exploring various avenues to alleviate the crisis, including regulating water tanker operations and contemplating the utilization of treated water from apartment complexes for non-potable purposes. Despite efforts, the situation in Bengaluru, where water is supplied through 120 municipal tankers and 232 water board tankers, remains critical.
In response to the plea from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to standardize water rates and considering the escalating demands and surging prices for tanker services, the District Collector of Bangalore City has taken decisive action. Rates have been established for 200 privately operated tankers over a four-month period.
Presently, 200 private tankers are engaged on a contractual basis to deliver water to Bangalore city. The rates, determined by Bengaluru City District Collector KA Dayananda, are outlined as follows:
Rates for tankers within a 5 km radius
Rs 600 for a 6,000-litre water tanker
Rs 700 for an 8,000-litre water tanker
Rs 1000 for a 12,000-litre water tanker
For distances beyond 5 km but within 10 km
Rs 750 for a 6,000-litre water tanker
Rs 850 for an 8,000-litre water tanker
Rs 1200 for a 12,000-litre water tanker
These rates are inclusive of GST.
