The Aryavarth Express
Agency( Bengaluru): Facing an acute water shortage, Bengaluru’s hotel industry is contemplating a shift towards disposable cups, glasses, and plates to conserve water. The severe drought has led to the drying up of most borewells, leaving hoteliers reliant on water tankers for their daily needs. With the Kannada New Year, Yugadi, approaching, the industry is hopeful for rain but is preparing for alternative measures to cope with the ongoing crisis.
Chandrashekar Hebbar, the president of the Karnataka State Hoteliers Association, emphasized that the majority of their water consumption is attributed to washing utensils, which is now considered wasteful given the scarcity. The association is exploring the adoption of ‘use and throw’ materials as a sustainable alternative, despite the potential increase in costs, which they plan to pass onto the customers.
This move, while a practical response to the water crisis, introduces concerns about environmental impact and sustainability, given the increase in disposable waste. However, the hoteliers justify this approach as a necessary adaptation to the challenging circumstances posed by the water shortage in Bengaluru.
In addition to these industry adjustments, the local civic agency has appointed nodal officers in each ward to address water concerns, following the implementation of a price cap for water tankers. However, complaints persist about exorbitant charging by water suppliers, highlighting the ongoing struggle of residents to secure an essential resource.
The political landscape is also marked by criticism and calls for action. The BJP criticizes the Congress-led state government for its failure to ensure adequate drinking water supply, contrasting this with the uninterrupted availability of beer, hinting at misplaced priorities. In response, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar emphasizes the government’s efforts against the “water mafia” and urges the public to use water judiciously, pointing to initiatives like the Mekedatu reservoir project as long-term solutions to the water scarcity issue, despite opposition from neighboring Tamil Nadu.
As Bengaluru grapples with its water crisis, the hotel industry’s pivot to disposable items signals a broader challenge of balancing immediate needs against sustainable practices, underscoring the city’s urgent quest for viable solutions to ensure water security for all its residents.
