Bengaluru: With the onset of the summer, various parts Karnataka are expecting water shortage in the state, including the state capital of Bengaluru. Recently, a report published by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the Indian Institute of Science (Iisc) suggested most parts of the city facing water crisis in coming days.
In recent times, the government has come out with a number of orders on groundwater extraction and restrictions on water usage. Aware of the looming scarcity, locals have also started cutting down on the use of water and are also looking for alternative sources. The board had recently banned the use of drinking water for other purposes, including cleaning vehicle, gardening, construction or entertainment purposes. A fine of Rs 500 will also be imposed in case of violation. In case of repeated violation, an additional fine of Rs 500 will be imposed. The fines are being imposed to reduce the water shortage in the city.
The study by researchers also indicated a massive dip in groundwater levels across the city. Notably, Bengaluru rely more on borewells for water. Nearly 800 million litres of water is extracted from the borewell on a daily basis. While the researchers expect the ground water in Central Bengaluru to be dropped by 5 metres in central Bengaluru, the area under the city municipal corporations may witness the ground water drop by 10 to 15 metres. In around 110 villages which fall under Begaluru’s jurisdiction, the decline could be around 20 to 25 percent.
Reservoirs near Bengaluru
According to a report published in Bengaluru Mirror, in recent times the Cauvery basin witnessed drop in water levels to 60%, which was full earlier. While the same has raised concerns, experts have also warned of further depletion due to increasing temperatures and evaporation.
The data published by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC) suggests that that the four Cauvery Basin reservoirs hold less than 70 percent of their capacity in storage.
Similarly, the water level at Harangi currently stands at 45 percent of its total capacity, while Hemavathi has 57 percent, Kabini 78 percent, and KRS is at 78 percent of its total capacity. Even as total capacity of all four reservoirs -Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam, Harangi, Hemavati, and Kabini, is 114.57 TMC, they are holding 78.34 TMC of water currently.
Notable water projects in Bengaluru
Recently, the city of Bengaluru received water supply from Cauvery Phase V project. The city with also get tmcft of water from Krishnaraja Sagar dam, with an aim to cater to locals in Greater Bengaluru.
Apart from this, the government also plans to lay an express pipeline from KRS dam. The dam will help in supply water in areas like Sarajapur, Kengeri, Anekal, parts of Nelamangala, Devanahalli and Hoskote.
The project will not only help in quenching the thirst of Greater Bengaluru but will also reduce the cost of water per unit from 30 paise to 80 paise. The project, once completed, will meet the growing needs of people living in Bengaluru South and Bengaluru North. The Cauvery Phase V project covers areas like Yeshwathpur, Bengaluru South, Byappanahalli, and other localities.
