Enough water for 3-4 months for Bengaluru, says BWSSB; experts call for long-term measures
Why every drop counts Bengaluru is drawing around 1,900 MLD of Cauvery water every day BWSSB says there is an additional 300 MLD of available
Why every drop counts Bengaluru is drawing around 1,900 MLD of Cauvery water every day BWSSB says there is an additional 300 MLD of available capacity that can be drawn if required. With Cauvery Vth Stage, the total amount of water available is 2225 MLD From June 1 to July 9, Bengaluru Urban has a -35% departure from normal, and South Interior Karnataka -24% Challenges being experienced in localities due to groundwater depletion, dependence on borewells As the erratic southwest monsoon continues in Karnataka for the second consecutive month, Bengaluru continues to reel under a dry spell. According to the cumulative rainfall data for the city from June 1 to July 9, Bengaluru Urban has recorded a -35% departure from normal, while South Interior Karnataka recorded -24%. The scenario has raised fears of the impact on power and water availability. Even though the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has reintroduced water conservation norms it brought in during the monsoon season itself this time compared to the water crisis of the summer of 2024, Manjula N., chairperson, BWSSB, maintained that there is no reason to panic for now. Current consumption “At present, Bengaluru is drawing around 1,900 MLD of Cauvery water every day, while we still have an additional 300 MLD of available capacity that can be drawn if required. With Cauvery V Stage, the total amount of water available is 2,225 MLD. Therefore, there is no shortage of Cauvery water supply to the city,” she said.
She, however, admitted that the challenges being experienced in certain localities are primarily due to groundwater depletion and dependence on borewells, as well as distribution-related issues. “I recently held a review meeting with the concerned officials managing the Cauvery reservoirs and assessed the current storage position. Based on the available reservoir levels, even if there is no rainfall over the next three to four months, Bengaluru’s drinking water requirements can be comfortably managed through the Cauvery system. However, there will be stress in the later months in case there is absolutely no rainfall,” Ms. Manjula said. She also pointed out that inflows into the KRS reservoir have already started improving, which is an encouraging sign. “BWSSB is continuously monitoring reservoir levels, demand patterns, and groundwater conditions on a real-time basis and is fully prepared to take necessary measures wherever localised water stress is reported. Citizens need not panic. We appeal to everyone to continue using water judiciously and avoid wastage. Water conservation remains essential, but there is no cause for concern regarding Cauvery water availability for Bengaluru at present,” she reiterated. Water security However, yet another year of erratic weather patterns has triggered the question of long-term water security for Bengaluru. Priyanka Jamwal, Senior Fellow and Convenor, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, said erratic rainfall patterns directly affect urban water security by increasing uncertainty in both surface water and groundwater availability. “For a city like Bengaluru, this means greater dependence on tanker water, especially during periods of delayed or deficient rainfall.
The BriefWire