In a bid to replenish groundwater sources in Bengaluru, the civic authorities have decided to fill up the city's drying lakes with 1,300 million litres per day (MLD) of treated water. About 50 percent of the borewells have dried up in the city and this initiative is aimed at managing the water crisis.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will also install filter borewells and construct water plants using an innovative technology near the restored lake beds to supply water after testing, BWSSB officials told the news agency PTI.
According to the report, the initiative has been undertaken in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar said that this effort is expected to contribute approximately 20–30 MLD water to the system. The Irrigation Department is supplying water in Devanahalli, where the Kempegowda International Airport is located, by treating water from Kote Lake with a similar initiative. As part of the plan, lakes in Bellandur, Varthur, Nayandahalli, Herohalli, Attur and Jakkur will be refilled initially.
Officials have pointed out that Bengaluru requires 2,100 MLD of potable water, and about 1,450 MLD comes from the Cauvery River. They have said that reservoirs currently hold sufficient water reserves to last until July.
From March to May, the city needs around eight thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water. The reservoirs contain 34 TMC of water, ensuring an adequate supply. The remaining 650 MLD of the city's water demand comes through borewell water. However, there exists a deficit of 250 MLD, largely attributed to insufficient rainfall, diminishing groundwater levels, and excessive exploitation of groundwater.
Earlier this week, the Karnataka Water Supply and Sewerage Board banned the use of drinking water for gardening, construction, car wash, road maintenance and water fountains amid a heightened water crisis in the capital city. The Board also imposed a fine of Rs 5000 for any violation of the order.
‘Open To Constructive Suggestions’
Meanwhile, to tackle the water mafia, the government has taken over private water tankers. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who is also incharge of Bengaluru development, issued a warning to tanker lorry owners stating that their vehicles will be seized if they fail to register with the authorities by March 7. He also said that unused milk tankers will be repurposed for water transportation.
"About 50 per cent of the borewells in the city have dried up. We have decided to take control of thousands of private water tankers (by registering) to supply water from sources outside the city. We have left the pricing to officials as factors like distance travelled determine costs. Unused milk tankers will be used to ferry water," Shivakumar said.
However, the opposition BJP plans to protest alleged mismanagement of the water crisis. The deputy CM responded to this by stating that the state government was open to “any constructive suggestions”.