A Water Crisis Is Looming

‘A Water Crisis Is Looming But We Have Turned A Blind Eye To It’

Praveen Antal, a resident of high-rise housing society Saviour Greenisle in Ghaziabad, says it is our collective responsibility to restore the depleting groundwater table. His views:

As I wake up each morning in my high-rise apartment, nestled amidst the bustling cityscape, I can’t help but ponder over a looming crisis that seems to be inching closer with each passing day – the depletion of groundwater. What once was a distant concern has now become a stark reality, casting shadows over our daily lives and the sustainability of our community. Bengaluru saw it recently, other cities will witness it in not-so-distant future.

The tale of reduced water supply is not new to us apartment residents. With nearby canals failing to provide the much-needed water, we have turned to groundwater as our primary source. Initially, it seemed like a convenient solution, but little did we realize the consequences it would entail. As more and more high-rise structures sprung up around us, the demand for water surged, exacerbating the strain on our already depleting groundwater reservoirs.

The signs of distress are unmistakable. Water levels in our bore-wells are plummeting at an alarming rate, mirroring the depth of our worries. Once a reliable source of water, it has now become a testament to the unsustainable practices that pervade our modern lifestyles. As a resident, it’s disheartening to witness the gradual disappearance of something as vital as water, a resource we often take for granted until it starts slipping through our fingers.

The repercussions of this water crisis are far-reaching, extending beyond the confines of our apartment walls. Our surrounding ecosystem bears the brunt of our unchecked consumption, with parched landscapes and dwindling vegetation serving as poignant reminders of our collective negligence. The delicate balance of nature is being disrupted, and we, as residents, find ourselves grappling with the repercussions of our actions.

ALSO READ: ‘Bengaluru Water Crisis Is A Warning For Other Metros’

In the face of such adversity, it’s imperative that we, as a community, come together to address this pressing issue. We cannot afford to be mere spectators to our own downfall. Instead, we must take proactive steps to conserve water and alleviate the strain on our dwindling groundwater reserves.

One crucial aspect of tackling this crisis is the adoption of sustainable water management practices within our apartment complexes. From rainwater harvesting to recycling wastewater, there are numerous measures we can implement to reduce our water footprint and promote responsible usage. By embracing these practices, we not only mitigate the impact of our water consumption but also pave the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Furthermore, we must advocate for stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms to curb the indiscriminate exploitation of groundwater. It’s high time we hold ourselves accountable for our actions and work towards preserving this precious resource for future generations. After all, water is not just a commodity; it’s a fundamental right that should be safeguarded and cherished by all.

As I gaze out from my apartment window, I’m reminded of the interconnectedness of our actions and the profound impact they have on the world around us. The journey towards water conservation may be fraught with challenges, but it’s a journey we must embark on together if we are to secure a sustainable future for ourselves and the generations yet to come. In the end, it’s not just about preserving water; it’s about preserving life itself.

As told to Deepti Sharma

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Bengaluru Water Crisis

‘Bengaluru Water Crisis is an Ominous Prospect For Other Metro Cities’

Vasudha Vasudev, a senior associate consultant in Infosys, Bengaluru, says the city’s crisis highlights broader issues of urban planning and sustainable resource management. Her views:

Living in Bengaluru has not only been about work but also about coping with the city’s various civic crises, water scarcity being the latest one. Over the past few months, this crisis has become more than just a concern – it is a daily in-you-face reality that impacts every facet of urban life.

Earlier, when I lived in a high-rise apartment, the situation was somewhat manageable. Our society would arrange for water tankers, and the costs were absorbed as part of our maintenance fees. However, since moving to a rented house, I have had a firsthand experience of the escalating water scarcity. Landlords now inquire about the number of occupants to gauge water usage, and this additional cost burdens both tenants and owners alike, straining our already tight budget.

The root cause of Bengaluru’s water woes lies in its unplanned urban expansion. Unlike cities built to accommodate the current population, Bengaluru’s infrastructure has been struggling to keep pace with its rapid expansion. Historically, the city relied on small water bodies and ridges that were sufficient for a smaller populace. However, its unique aquifer system now poses significant challenges.

Bengaluru’s aquifers are rocky and have limited storage capacity. While they can recharge quickly after rainfall, they deplete just as swiftly during dry spells. This contrasts sharply with North India’s aquifers, which boast greater water retention capabilities. Consequently, Bengaluru’s groundwater reserves cannot sustain prolonged periods of water stress.

ALSO READ: ‘I Am A Climate Refugee, Forced To Live In Bengaluru’

The city’s predicament is a stark warning for other urban centers across India. As cities expand without proper planning, they strain existing water resources beyond capacity. Bengaluru’s experience underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management strategies in burgeoning cities.

To address this crisis, policymakers must prioritize holistic solutions. Investing in rainwater harvesting systems, promoting water conservation practices, and incentivizing sustainable urban development are crucial steps. Furthermore, authorities must engage with communities to raise awareness about water conservation and encourage responsible water use.

As individuals, we can contribute by adopting water-saving habits in our daily lives. Simple actions such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and minimizing wastage can collectively make a significant impact.

The implications of Bengaluru’s water crisis extend beyond immediate inconvenience. It highlights broader issues of urban planning, resource management, and environmental sustainability. Unless proactive measures are taken, other Indian cities could find themselves in similar predicaments.

For those of us living and working in Bengaluru, this crisis is a call to action. It’s a reminder that we must act collectively to preserve our precious water resources and build resilient cities for the future. Through concerted efforts and a shared commitment to sustainability, we can mitigate the water crisis and pave the way for a more water-secure India.
Bengaluru’s water crisis is not just a local issue—it’s a wake-up call for the entire nation. Let’s heed this warning and work towards a more sustainable and water-resilient future for all.
As told to Deepti Sharma

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Bengaluru water crisis

Grappling With Severe Water Crisis, Bengaluru Stares At Harder Days

In the grip of a severe water crisis, Bengaluru stared at tougher days as the sweltering summer sets in, with people in areas such as Varthur in the Mahadevpur Assembly constituency struggling to quench thirst and meet regular household needs.

Residents across the city complained of low water supply in the area, with one telling ANI, “It has been two weeks since we have stopped receiving proper water supply. We received drinking water only once a week.”

Expressing concern over the prevailing situation, the people urged the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the primary civic body in the city, to address the water problem on priority and ensure regular supply.

On March 5, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his deputy DK Shivakumar, and cabinet ministers along with officials and secretaries of respective departments, held a crucial meeting to address the shortage of drinking water in Bengaluru.

He also warned the water tanker owners across the state that the government would seize their vehicles if they did not register with the authorities before March 7, the deadline day.

With the summer expected to be more severe this year, as many as 7,082 villages across Karnataka and 1,193 wards, including in Bengaluru Urban district, are vulnerable to drinking water crisis in the coming months as per an assessment made by the government as of February 10.

A report by the revenue department has identified the majority of villages in Tumakuru district (746) and most wards in Uttara Kannada as staring at a grave water crisis in the days ahead.

In the Bengaluru Urban district, 174 villages and 120 wards have been shown to be vulnerable. (ANI)

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