WATER CRISIS IN BENGALURU (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: An acute drinking water crisis in Bengaluru has been creating international headlines for the past few days.Water Crisis in Bengaluru

• Unplanned Urbanization: Haphazard urban growth has contaminated groundwater with industrial chemicals and sewage, exacerbating the crisis.
• Inadequate Monsoon: Subpar rainfall in 2023 coupled with dependence on groundwater has intensified water stress.
• Concretization and Reduced Green Cover: Rapid urbanization has decreased permeable surfaces, hindering groundwater recharge and exacerbating the crisis.
• Encroachment of Natural Water Bodies: Valleys acting as water conduits have been encroached upon, disrupting natural water flow and causing stagnation.
• Over-exploitation of Groundwater: Excessive extraction from groundwater sources has further depleted the already strained water table.
• Lack of Effective Water Governance: Unregulated water extraction and distribution have led to mismanagement, aggravating the crisis.
• Lack of Citizen Sensitivity: Free access to water has led to detachment among citizens, hindering efforts to address the crisis effectively.

Impact of Bengaluru Water Crisis

• Water Shortages: Many residents, particularly in the outskirts and higher elevations of the city, confront acute water shortages, resorting to expensive and irregularly supplied water tankers for daily needs.
• Quality Concerns: The water crisis heightens worries about water quality, with scarcity forcing the use of contaminated sources, thereby elevating the risk of waterborne diseases.
• Economic Impact: The water crisis not only impacts the quality of life but also jeopardizes the economic viability of the city, endangering its stature as a global IT hub.