Amid the prevailing water crisis in Bengaluru, approximately 500 families in Kanteerava Nagar near Nandini Layout have found respite by accessing water for non-potable purposes from a recently rejuvenated open well in the area.
Success of Open Wells Rejuvenation
This particular well delivers close to one lakh litres of water daily, showcasing the viability of traditional open wells as a reliable water source for the city. Over the past year, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), in collaboration with the Biome Environmental Trust, has revitalized five such defunct open wells. These include two wells near Avalahalli Lake, two near Kothanur Lake, and one in Kanteerava Nagar.
The rejuvenation process involved desilting, cleaning, and transforming garbage dump spots into functional water sources. Grilles and pulleys were installed for water extraction. While the well in Kanteerava Nagar caters to nearby families, others serve the local communities as well.
Shallow Aquifer Management Project
S Vishwanath, Advisor at Biome Environmental Trust, highlighted that these wells tap into shallow aquifers, acting as recharge structures during the monsoon to facilitate rainwater percolation. The rejuvenation efforts are part of the shallow aquifer management project, currently underway in multiple cities.
Sustainable Water Sourcing Methods
Suma Rao, project manager at Biome, emphasized the importance of traditional water-sourcing methods in reducing stress on Cauvery water and borewells. Biome is a technical partner in a pilot project on shallow aquifer management across ten cities, initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0).
The success of these initiatives underscores the significance of adopting sustainable practices to ensure water security in urban areas.
