Bengaluru: BWSSB bans borewell drilling amid groundwater crisis

Bengaluru's Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has imposed a ban on borewell drilling following a sharp decline in groundwater levels and a red alert issued by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The restriction comes as the city faces a severe water crisis, with the groundwater table depleting for the third consecutive year.

Also read: Bengaluru: BWSSB sanctions 38,013 new Cauvery water connections amid summer demand

The ban, aimed at conserving water resources, will remain in effect indefinitely, with stringent legal action against violators. While BWSSB previously allowed borewell drilling in areas lacking access to Cauvery water, the situation has changed with the availability of the Cauvery 5th stage supply. Authorities now assert that there is sufficient Cauvery water to meet the needs of regions facing groundwater depletion.

Applications for borewell permits have been halted, and the BWSSB has stopped issuing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for new drilling. The decision is based on two critical factors: excessive groundwater extraction with inadequate recharge and an IISc study highlighting severe depletion across 80 city wards.

Although the ban applies to all, government agencies may receive exceptions under strict scrutiny. Each request will undergo thorough verification before approval.

With summer approaching, BWSSB has emphasized the importance of managing existing water resources efficiently. Officials urge residents to rely on Cauvery water and regulated borewells, ensuring sustainable water usage in Bengaluru’s increasingly water-stressed environment.