Bengaluru Bans Borewell Drilling Amid Escalating Water Crisis

Bengaluru’s water scarcity has been exacerbated by rapid urbanization, over-reliance on groundwater, and inconsistent rainfall. 

This is the third consecutive year, Karnataka is facing issues due to groundwater depletion.

Source : Pixabay

In a step to combat Bengaluru's worsening water crisis, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has halted new permissions for borewell drilling citing rapidly depleting groundwater levels. The decision follows an alarming Indian Institute of Science (IISc) report warning of groundwater depletion, particularly as summer approaches.

BWSSB Chairperson Ram Prasath Manohar stated that the ban was imposed due to two key concerns including insufficient groundwater recharge despite excessive extraction and a critical groundwater condition in 80 wards across the city, as per a report on Times of India. A senior BWSSB official added that while borewell drilling was restricted earlier in 2024, exceptions were made due to delays in the Cauvery 5th Stage water supply project.

However, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar told ANI that there was no drinking water shortage in Bengaluru. 

Yet, alongside the borewell ban, the BWSSB has issued strict water usage restrictions, prohibiting potable water use for: Vehicle washing, gardening, construction activities, decorative fountains and road cleaning. The violators will be fined Rs 5,000, with additional penalties for repeated offenses and a daily fine of Rs 500 for non-compliance.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment plants, currently managed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), will be handed over to the BWSSB. The transition aims to streamline operations and ensure efficient water supply.

Bengaluru’s water scarcity has been exacerbated by rapid urbanization, over-reliance on groundwater, and inconsistent rainfall. 

This is the third consecutive year, Karnataka is facing issues due to groundwater depletion. Last year, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said that over 3,000 borewells in the city including the one at his home dried up. He also said that the state was working round-the-clock in order to identify the places of water availability.