The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bangalore): As of March 15, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to enforce a rule requiring city residents to secure prior permission before drilling borewells. This move aims to regulate groundwater usage amidst an escalating water crisis, particularly in the outskirts of Bengaluru.
Though the mandate for BWSSB’s approval has been in place since 2011, it has historically seen lax enforcement and compliance. The recent decision to enforce this rule more stringently comes in response to the deepening water scarcity affecting the city. By monitoring private borewells, the BWSSB intends to better manage and conserve groundwater resources.
BWSSB chairman Dr. V Ram Prasat Manohar has issued a statement urging residents to comply with the regulation, cautioning that legal actions may follow for those who fail to obtain the necessary permissions. Under Section 11 of the Karnataka Groundwater (Development and Management Regulations and Control) Act, 2011, drilling borewells without authorization from the board is prohibited. The application process for such permissions is available online, though final approvals will be granted only after thorough site inspections by officials.
The city’s groundwater levels have seen a significant decline, attributed to unregulated drilling activities and exacerbated by insufficient rainfall and groundwater recharge. Current estimates suggest that more than 60% of borewells in Bengaluru, especially those on the periphery, have ceased to yield water. This has forced many residents to rely on water supplied by private tankers, highlighting the urgency of implementing measures to safeguard and sustainably manage the city’s groundwater supplies.
