As Bengaluru grapples with a severe water crisis exacerbated by dwindling reservoir levels and receding groundwater, residents face the prospect of a 24-hour water supply cut commencing Tuesday. With over 200 talukas in the state declared drought-hit, the city’s water board finds itself compelled to divert resources from depleted sources towards meeting essential water needs.
On Monday, scenes of distress unfolded as men and women queued up with empty buckets, awaiting water tankers to alleviate their parched circumstances. In areas heavily reliant on groundwater, such as Horamavu, residents lamented the escalating costs, paying double the usual rate to secure essential water supplies.
Shimna, a resident of Horamavu, voiced the community’s concerns, stating, “The tankers charge ₹6,000. If we have to pay this price every day, it will become very difficult for us. Our savings are affected as we are paying both for drinking water and for water for other daily needs. We will be happy if the authorities help us.”
In response to the escalating crisis, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced government measures to address the issue, including the allocation of ₹8 crore towards potential solutions. Exploring avenues such as deeper borewells and increased borewell installations, officials seek to mitigate the impacts of the water scarcity gripping the region.
However, criticism directed at the government highlights frustrations over perceived inaction and inadequate responses. BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj, representing the KR Puram constituency, lambasted authorities for their failure to effectively tackle the crisis despite repeated appeals.
“There’s water scarcity everywhere. What is the government doing? I have written so many letters. All guarantees are being given but there is no money for this,” Basavaraj emphasized, reflecting growing discontent among residents and political figures alike.
As Bengaluru braces for stringent water supply cuts and grapples with rising costs and logistical challenges, urgent action is imperative to alleviate the plight of its residents and navigate through the looming water crisis.
Sources By Agencies