Bengaluru is grappling with unprecedented water shortage

People resort to ordering food from restaurants, limit bathing to alternate days

Water crisis extends to the outskirts, affecting villages merged with the city

Bengaluru, known as India’s ‘Silicon Valley’, is grappling with an unprecedented water shortage, forcing residents to adopt drastic measures. People are resorting to ordering food from restaurants and limiting bathing to alternate days due to scarcity.

Even those in high-rise apartments with water harvesting systems now rely on water tankers, imposing strict usage restrictions. Eateries consider using disposable items to conserve water, while educational institutions resort to online classes amid the crisis.

Residents are innovating to save water, with some using paper plates and reducing washing machine usage. Others visit malls for showers or restroom facilities. Many IT employees have sought work from home options and consider relocating temporarily until the situation improves.

Bengaluru’s water supply primarily depends on the Cauvery river and groundwater, with recycled water fulfilling non-drinking needs. However, prolonged drought has strained these sources, leaving the city with only half of its required 2,600-2,800 million liters of water daily. The crisis extends to the outskirts, affecting villages merged with the city.

The water scarcity has become a political issue, with the ruling Congress and opposition BJP engaging in blame games ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. While the BJP accuses the government of mismanagement, the Congress blames the BJP-led federal government for inadequate support to drought-hit Karnataka.