Bengaluru faces potential water crisis as groundwater levels plummet

Bengaluru is bracing for another water shortage this summer, with significant drops in groundwater levels expected in high-risk areas like Mahadevapura and Whitefield. According to a recent study conducted by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the city’s reliance on groundwater is placing many areas in danger of severe water scarcity.

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The study identified 80 wards, including 110 villages, that are highly dependent on groundwater sources. These areas are predicted to face substantial water shortages, prompting the BWSSB to issue a warning to residents, advising them to limit their reliance on groundwater and explore alternative sources of water.

The study highlights that central Bengaluru will see a significant drop in groundwater levels, with a predicted decline of up to 5 meters. Areas under city municipal corporations could face drops of 10 to 15 meters, while villages in Bengaluru's jurisdiction may experience even steeper declines of 20 to 25 meters.

The BWSSB is urging residents, especially in these high-risk wards, to switch from groundwater to Cauvery water, following the completion of the Cauvery Phase 5 Project, which has enhanced water supply to the city. The project is being touted as a more sustainable and reliable option to address Bengaluru's growing water needs.

The scientific study serves as a crucial step in managing Bengaluru's water crisis and promoting long-term, sustainable water solutions. The findings underline the urgent need for proactive water conservation measures to prevent a looming water crisis as the city prepares for the summer months.