In recent years, Bengaluru has been grappling with soaring temperatures and a looming water crisis, signaling tough times ahead for the city. A recent study conducted by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has shed light on the alarming rate at which Bengaluru’s green cover and water bodies are being replaced by concrete structures, painting a grim picture of the city’s environmental degradation.
Concrete Invasion: The Loss of Lakes and Forests
According to the study, Bengaluru has witnessed a staggering 93 percent reduction in its lake and forest cover over the past five decades, with constructions increasing by over 1,000 percent. The city’s once-lush greenery has been replaced by concrete structures, leading to a significant rise in urban heat islands and exacerbating the already sweltering temperatures.
Vanishing Green Spaces
Historically known as the Garden City, Bengaluru has succumbed to rapid urbanization, with green spaces giving way to buildings and infrastructure. The municipal authorities’ failure to maintain proper records of land ownership has exacerbated the situation, leaving the city bereft of its once-abundant greenery.
Water Woes and Environmental Fallout
The unchecked concretization of Bengaluru has dire consequences, including severe water shortages and increased pollution levels. The city’s water crisis has reached critical levels, with parts of Bengaluru facing acute shortages and fines imposed for water wastage. Moreover, the loss of green cover has contributed to air pollution, further deteriorating the city’s environmental health.
Towards Sustainable Solutions
To address Bengaluru’s environmental woes, experts advocate for policies that promote vertical expansion and urban greening. Creating more green spaces, such as parks and mini-forests, can help mitigate the effects of urbanization and provide much-needed relief to residents.
Urgent Action Needed
As Bengaluru continues to grapple with its urbanization crisis, urgent action is needed to protect the city’s remaining green cover and water bodies. Strict enforcement of existing environmental laws and regulations, along with the development of sustainable urban planning strategies, is essential to safeguard Bengaluru’s ecological future.
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