In a major boost to Bengaluru’s water resilience, the World Bank has approved a loan of USD 426 million to enhance water security for over four million people in the city, officials announced.
The Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme aims to tackle urban flooding and restore the ecological health of Bengaluru’s 183 lakes — natural reservoirs that absorb rainwater during downpours. The initiative will also strengthen disaster preparedness by equipping the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre with better forecasting systems and emergency response mechanisms.
Task team leaders Kristoffer Welsien and Anup Karanth noted the programme’s dual role: protecting communities during extreme weather and improving water management infrastructure.
World Bank Country Director for India, Auguste Tano Kouame, highlighted the financial and infrastructural benefits. “The programme will boost the revenue of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and draw in USD 5 million of private investment,” he said. This includes initiatives such as smart water meters, upgrading outdated pipelines, and integrating technology to improve service delivery.
Additionally, the plan includes extending sewerage access to over 100,000 households and constructing nine new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). These will prevent untreated sewage from flowing into lakes and stormwater drains. The treated water will be redirected for industrial reuse and groundwater recharge across Greater Bengaluru.
The sanctioned loan comes via the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and includes a 20-year term with a five-year grace period.