Bengaluru: The state capital is facing a severe threat of escalating water issues as early as the first week of March this year. According to a joint report by IISc scientists, Central Groundwater Board officials, and the Karnataka Ground Water Directorate, groundwater levels have significantly depleted in 65 wards across Bengaluru. The report warns of a looming water crisis in these specific areas in the coming days.

In response, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) officials held an emergency meeting to discuss mitigation strategies. Planned measures include sanctioning emergency water connections, filling lakes with treated water to recharge aquifers, and installing Syntex tanks and temporary distribution centers in slums and high-density areas. Most residents in these 65 wards currently rely more on borewells than Cauvery water.

Focus on 65 high risk wards

To tackle the summer shortage, BWSSB is identifying areas without formal water connections and prioritizing them for new pipelines. Special emphasis is being placed on providing quick water connections to apartments in the affected 65 wards. The board will also inspect and repair existing water lines in these zones immediately.

Boosting groundwater via treated water

Following scientific advice, the board is preparing to fill lakes within these 65 wards with treated water to boost local groundwater tables. Additionally, BWSSB has decided to deploy water tankers and establish Cauvery water supply points for apartments. To ensure conservation, the board is considering imposing fines on the use of potable water for non-essential purposes like vehicle washing, gardening, and cleaning courtyards.

Affected Wards

Groundwater depletion has been recorded in wards including Jakkur, Doddabommasandra, Shettyhalli, Mallasandra, T. Dasarahalli, Jalahalli, Sanjay Nagar, Hebbal, Nagawara, Horamavu, Ramamurthy Nagar, Kammanahalli, Kadugondanahalli, Kaval Byrasandra, Manorayanapalya, Doddabidarakallu, Peenya Industrial Area, Nandini Layout, J.C. Nagar, Lingarajapuram, K.R. Puram, A. Narayanapura, Kadumalleshwara, Mahalakshmipuram, Shakti Ganapathi Nagar, Madiwala, Shankara Math, Bommanahalli, Gayatri Nagar, BTM Layout, Hoysala Nagar, Sarakki, Shivaji Nagar, Kumaraswamy Layout, Gandhi Nagar, Yelachenahalli, Dayananda Nagar, Gottigere, Basaveshwara Nagar, Konanakunte, Vrishabhavathi Nagar, Agrahara Dasarahalli, Agaram, Binnypet, Kempapura Agrahara, Vijayanagar, Hosahalli, Maruti Mandir, Mudalapalya, Nagarabhavi, Nayandahalli, Chalavadipalya, Chamarajapet, Siddapura, Koramangala, Srinagar, Gali Anjaneya Temple ward, Deepanjali Nagar, Kengeri, Hosakerehalli, Girinagar, Katriguppe, Karisandra, Pattabhirama Nagar, and Gurappanapalya.