BENGALURU: Civic authorities in Bengaluru have come up with a plan to address the water crisis in the city. With nearly 50 percent of borewells running dry, the authorities have decided to replenish the groundwater sources by filling the drying lakes with treated water. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will play a key role in this initiative.They will not only fill the lakes but also install filter borewells and construct water plants near the restored lake beds. These plants will use innovative technology to supply water after proper testing. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is also collaborating with the BWSSB on this project.
The civic authorities, in association with the Irrigation Department, are already supplying water in Devanahalli, where the Kempegowda International Airport is located. This is being done by treating the water from the Kote lake. As part of the plan, lakes in Bellandur, Varthur, Nayandahalli, Herohalli, Attur, and Jakkur will be refilled initially.
Bengaluru requires 2,100 million litres per day (MLD) of potable water, out of which 1,450 MLD comes from the Cauvery river. The officials have assured that there is enough water in the reservoirs to last till July. However, the remaining 650 MLD is sourced from borewells, and there is a deficit of 250 MLD due to the lack of rains, depleting underground water levels, and groundwater exploitation.
To encourage more water suppliers, the BWSSB has extended the registration deadlines for water tanker owners till March 15. Currently, 1,530 tankers have registered. In order to tackle the water mafia, the government has taken over private water tankers. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also in charge of Bengaluru’s development, stated that they have decided to take control of thousands of private water tankers to supply water from sources outside the city. Unused milk tankers will be used to transport water.
In response to the opposition BJP’s protest against the alleged mismanagement of the water crisis, Shivakumar said, ‘If they provide any constructive suggestions, we are open to considering them.’ The BJP has planned a protest in the city on Monday.
In conclusion, the civic authorities in Bengaluru are taking proactive measures to address the water crisis. By refilling the drying lakes with treated water, installing filter borewells, and constructing water plants, they aim to replenish the groundwater sources. This collaborative effort with the Indian Institute of Science and the Irrigation Department is expected to provide an additional 20-30 MLD of water to the system. With the government’s intervention to tackle the water mafia and encourage more water suppliers, there is hope for a sustainable solution to the water crisis in Bengaluru.





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