Bengaluru: In a major step towards strengthening Bengaluru’s urban water management and climate resilience, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) for the ambitious World Bank-funded Bengaluru Water Resilience Project.

The project, backed by more than ₹3,500 crore in funding, aims to address the twin challenges of flooding and water scarcity in the rapidly growing metropolis. Key stakeholders include the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Minor Irrigation Department, and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC).

Collaboration with premier institutes

According to officials, the project will build on IISc’s Urban Flood Model for Bengaluru, adapting it to meet the GBA’s specific objectives. The collaboration will bring together some of India’s top scientific and engineering minds to create a comprehensive water resilience framework for the city.

M. Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner of GBA, confirmed that the partnership marks a new phase in Bengaluru’s efforts to tackle its growing water management issues. “The initial meeting with World Bank officials was fruitful, and the project will soon move into the implementation phase,” Mr. Rao told The Hindu. He also revealed that the World Bank has offered technical assistance for multiple GBA projects currently under consideration.

Technical partners and project structure

Alongside IISc and IIT-M, the initiative will include contributions from the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), Bengaluru-based WELL Labs, and the policy think tank CSTEP (Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy).

Munish Moudgil, Special Commissioner (Revenue), GBA, said that the private agencies will collaborate through a non-financial memorandum, offering expert input without direct monetary compensation. This multi-stakeholder approach is designed to ensure that the project benefits from both academic research and practical implementation expertise.

Strengthening Bengaluru’s water security

A senior GBA official involved in the project explained that the ultimate goal is not just flood control but enhanced water security for Bengaluru’s residents. The project aims to address challenges such as urban flooding, drought, and long-term climate-related risks, while also improving water sustainability.

Among the proposed interventions are:

  • Upgrading stormwater drains (SWDs) to prevent overflow during monsoons.
  • Discouraging concretisation of lakes and drains to promote natural groundwater recharge.
  • Developing rainwater harvesting and watershed management systems.
  • Identifying natural flood mitigation solutions for vulnerable neighbourhoods.
  • Implementing proactive summer maintenance plans for stormwater infrastructure.

By addressing these components, GBA hopes to build a long-term, climate-resilient urban ecosystem that can withstand both flooding and drought conditions.

IISc and IIT-M to lead scientific innovation

As part of the collaboration, IISc will update its urban flood model, refining it to better simulate real-time conditions across Bengaluru’s diverse terrains. The model will be integrated with cutting-edge data analytics and visualisation tools, with IIT-M providing technological support in model processing and system architecture.

A GBA representative explained that IIT-M’s involvement will ensure that the modelling and implementation phases meet global standards of engineering precision. Additionally, IIT-M will conduct staff training programmes for government and project personnel, ensuring local capacity building and smooth knowledge transfer.

Role of WELL Labs, CSTEP, and KSNDMC

WELL Labs and CSTEP will enhance the project by providing strategic design and implementation insights tailored to Bengaluru’s hydrological and infrastructural realities. Their contributions will include frameworks for community engagement, sustainability planning, and data-driven decision-making.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) will play a crucial role in supplying scientific data, forecasting tools, and climate models to aid in risk management. The Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) will also assist in capacity building and emergency preparedness components of the project.

Implementation through BSMILE

The project’s execution will be overseen by Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd. (BSMILE), a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) formed to manage large-scale infrastructure projects under the GBA. BSMILE will coordinate between the participating agencies, ensure regulatory compliance, and monitor progress in alignment with World Bank standards.

A model for urban resilience

Experts say the Bengaluru Water Resilience Project could serve as a model for other Indian cities facing similar challenges. With its integrated approach—combining engineering innovation, data science, and environmental planning—the project aims to create a sustainable and adaptive framework for urban water management.

If successfully implemented, the initiative will not only mitigate Bengaluru’s frequent flooding issues but also ensure long-term water availability and quality, turning the city into a benchmark for climate-resilient urban planning.

Conclusion

The partnership between GBA, IISc, IIT-M, and the World Bank marks a turning point in Bengaluru’s fight against climate-related water challenges. With the city’s population and infrastructure expanding rapidly, the ₹3,500 crore Bengaluru Water Resilience Project offers a blueprint for sustainable growth—where science, governance, and innovation converge to secure the future of India’s tech capital.