Bengaluru water crisis worsens as tanker prices soar

Bengaluru is experiencing an acute water shortage, with tanker prices rising sharply amid growing demand and dwindling groundwater reserves. Residents in various parts of the city are now paying as much as ₹1,700 for a 12,000-litre water tanker, with prices expected to climb even higher in the coming weeks. The crisis has been aggravated by the failure of borewells, forcing more households to rely on private water suppliers.

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The sharp increase in tanker rates is putting significant financial strain on residents, especially those in apartment complexes and independent houses that depend entirely on external water supply. Despite efforts to regulate prices, private suppliers are reportedly charging ₹200 to ₹500 extra for immediate deliveries, capitalizing on the worsening situation.

Authorities have attempted to mitigate the crisis by contracting private tankers to distribute water at controlled rates, but reports suggest that enforcement remains a challenge. Many suppliers continue to demand exorbitant amounts, disregarding official price limits.

With the summer months ahead and no immediate relief in sight, concerns are mounting over the sustainability of the city's water supply. The crisis has prompted calls for stronger regulatory measures and increased access to alternative water sources. Residents are being urged to conserve water as authorities scramble to find long-term solutions to Bengaluru's deepening water woes.