India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru, is grappling with a severe water shortage, leading residents to a frantic search for the major source of life in the midst of dried-up borewells and few tankers for relief.

Some residents took to social media to share that apartment complexes and gated communities were imposing regulations for smart water usage, putting restrictions in place. Several housing societies have advised residents to be careful with their daily water usage amid the ongoing water crisis. Some of the severely-hit areas include Whitefield, Yelahanka and Kanakpura

As the sweltering summer approaches, the plea for government intervention grows louder, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the escalating water shortage in the tech hub.

Also Read: Bengaluru water crisis worsens, Kanakapura’s posh colony asks residents to use wet wipes

Why is Bengaluru staring at water shortage?

The inadequate rainfall in the last two monsoon seasons has led to a significant drop in the water levels of the Cauvery River, adversely affecting both drinking water supply and agricultural irrigation. Furthermore, the depletion of borewells has exacerbated the situation, highlighting the dire need for immediate action.

The problem is two-fold: low water levels in the region’s reservoirs and receding groundwater levels.

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar disclosed that out of the 14,781 borewells under the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), 6,997 have ceased to yield water.

As per the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC), the water levels in key Cauvery Basin reservoirs, including Harangi, Hemavathi, KRS, and Kabini, stand at a mere 39 percent of their total capacity as of February 28. These reservoirs currently hold approximately 44.65 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water, a stark contrast to last year’s 64.61 TMC at the same period.

Also Read: ‘Borewell at my home also dried up’: DK Shivakumar amid Bengaluru water crisis

According to the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), water scarcity is particularly acute in the city’s outskirts, while central areas face a somewhat manageable situation.

Meanwhile, according to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, 223 out of 236 Taluks of Karnataka are reeling under drought among them, 219 are badly affected.

What is government doing to overcome crisis?

To address this pressing issue, the state government has devised a plan involving the utilization of milk tankers from the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) to transport water to Bengaluru. Additionally, the government intends to take control of private borewells within the city and its vicinity.

In a stern warning, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar cautioned private water tanker owners to ensure registration of their vehicles by Thursday, lest they face punitive measures. He underscored the intention of police and Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials to impound unregistered tankers. Currently, out of over 3,000 tankers operating in the city, only 219 are registered with the BWSSB. “The private water tankers are charging anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 2,000,” he said, adding that “we will talk to the Association and fix a standard price”.

Shivakumar also announced that the state government has allocated Rs 556 crore to address water crisis in Bengaluru.

Also Read: Bengaluru water crisis: Karnataka govt lays plan to tackle water scarcity, warns of tanker seizure if registration not completed before March 7

Additionally, he announced plans to convene a meeting with the water tanker operators’ association on Thursday to establish a standardized pricing mechanism based on the distance between water source and delivery point.

Shivakumar also indicated progress in the Cauvery Stage V project, with plans to extend the Cauvery water supply to 110 villages within BBMP jurisdiction by the end of May. Addressing a minor setback involving pipeline construction spanning 2 kilometers, he pledged to personally inspect the site, address any issues, and expedite the project’s completion.