Bengaluru, known for its extravagant headquarters of numerous global software companies in southern India, is currently facing a severe water crisis. Residents are enduring the worst shortage of water in decades, as temperatures soar during an unusually hot February and March.
Experts are concerned that the situation may worsen in April and May, when the summer heat peaks in the bustling city of 13 million people. Climate change has played a role in the decline of rainfall in recent years, leading to critically low water levels, especially in impoverished areas. As a result, the cost of water has skyrocketed and the supply is quickly depleting.
City and state authorities are scrambling to address the crisis through emergency measures such as nationalizing water tankers and regulating water prices. Despite efforts, 6,900 out of the 13,900 borewells in the city have already dried up, leaving many residents reliant on water tankers that source water from nearby villages.
Concerns have also been raised about the delayed completion of a new piped water supply from the Cauvery River, as well as the impact of urbanization on the city’s water resources. Environmental scientists emphasize the importance of restoring and protecting the city’s lakes, promoting rainwater harvesting, and increasing green spaces to mitigate the water crisis.
Some residents have resorted to water rationing to cope with the shortage, while others are considering leaving Bengaluru temporarily if the situation worsens. The challenges posed by the water crisis highlight the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and conservation efforts to secure the city’s future water supply.