The groundwater levels on Bengaluru’s outskirts have already dropped by 10 to 15 meters this year, and the situation is expected to worsen during the peak pre-monsoon months of March and April. In light of this alarming trend, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), citing findings from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), is urging apartment residents to reduce their reliance on groundwater and instead opt for Cauvery water connections. These findings are part of a collaborative study between IISc and BWSSB to address the water shortages Bengaluru has faced in recent summers, with 2024 being one of the worst.
BWSSB officials have begun notifying apartment complexes, warning them to prepare for possible water shortages. A letter dated February 10 highlighted the drastic drop in groundwater levels in both core areas and peripheral regions, where the drop has been as severe as 15 meters. Areas reliant on borewells and water tankers could see costs rise as scarcity becomes more pronounced.
To mitigate the crisis, BWSSB chairman V Ramprasath Manohar emphasized the need for alternative water sources, particularly for residents in areas where groundwater depletion is occurring rapidly, especially in the city’s eastern and northern parts. “We need to prepare for the summer months and ensure water is used judiciously,” he said, warning of rising tanker prices as the crisis intensifies.
In response, BWSSB will be monitoring water usage closely, penalizing those who misuse potable water or over-rely on borewells. Starting April 1, the BWSSB will take over all borewells and reverse osmosis plants, consolidating responsibility for drinking water in Bengaluru. Furthermore, BWSSB plans to establish 16 Cauvery Connect Centres in 110 villages to streamline water access, allowing residents to book water tankers online at a cost of Rs 90 per tanker through an upcoming mobile app.
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