The Aryavarth Express
Agency( Bengaluru): In light of the persistent worries surrounding the water availability in Bengaluru and nearby areas along the Cauvery basin after a drought-stricken 2023 in Karnataka, Ram Prasath Manohar, the chairman of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), shared insights with The Hindu. While acknowledging the situation’s gravity, he confirmed that the city’s potable water requirements would be covered until the arrival of the monsoon rains.
Discussing Bengaluru’s current water scenario, he revealed that the city, with a population of 14 million, receives 1,450 million liters per day (MLD) through the Cauvery network. This system extensively serves the central regions and certain areas within the BBMP’s CMC and TMC jurisdictions. Additionally, 110 villages depend exclusively on borewell water, which has seen a decline in levels owing to the recent lack of rainfall. Nevertheless, efforts are underway to boost this supply, emphasizing that while the water status warrants attention, it is not as dire as some reports suggest.
On the subject of the Cauvery water allocation, Manohar stated that Bengaluru is allocated 1.56 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) monthly, which suffices for domestic use, though falls short for agricultural needs. Presently, the four reservoirs hold about 34 tmc ft, adequate for Bengaluru and other cities’ drinking water needs until the next monsoon, which demands approximately eight to 10 tmc ft for the forthcoming four to six months.
Addressing criticisms of governmental unpreparedness in light of the previous year’s drought, the chairman highlighted proactive measures undertaken, including communications with the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam to ensure adequate water storage and the identification of 257 water-stressed zones within the BBMP for targeted interventions such as booster pumps and additional water tankers.
Furthermore, Manohar encouraged the utilization of treated water for non-potable purposes, advocating for an attitude shift towards eco-friendlier water sources. An app named “Parisara Jalasnehi” has been launched to facilitate this, offering treated water at an economical rate. However, for now, the BWSSB may not provide tankers directly, but arrangements can be made for consumers to hire them, with considerations for making this service free if necessary.
Concerning the revival of Bengaluru’s lakes and waterbodies, once pivotal in maintaining the city’s water equilibrium but now largely neglected or encroached upon, he underscored the imperative of preserving these natural reservoirs. Efforts to restore the interconnected lake system, disrupted by unchecked urbanization, are deemed crucial for sustaining future water supplies.
Despite the mandate for rainwater harvesting in certain buildings, adoption rates remain low. The BWSSB is advocating for widespread community involvement in rainwater harvesting and the establishment of percolation pits to enhance groundwater recharge.
Looking ahead, the government’s strategy for water security encompasses leveraging a trio of sources: the Cauvery, groundwater, and treated water, with an emphasis on maximizing the use of the latter two. In response to recent flooding events, Manohar suggests a city-wide adoption of rainwater harvesting to mitigate groundwater depletion and support natural water storage.
In conclusion, Manohar calls for a collective effort to conserve water, urging citizens to reconsider their water usage habits, especially the utilization of high-quality Cauvery water for non-essential purposes. The path to safeguarding Bengaluru’s water future lies in conscientious consumption and a concerted push towards sustainable water management practices.