Bengaluru Braces for Water Shortage as BWSSB Orders Precautionary Measures

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has begun preparations to address a potential drinking water crisis in Bengaluru, following a directive from its chairperson, N. Manjula. The move comes in response to below-average rainfall in the region, which has raised concerns about water availability in the coming months.

During a review meeting on Tuesday, Manjula instructed senior officials to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of possible water scarcity. She emphasised the need for prudent utilisation of water from the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) reservoir, one of the city's primary water sources. Officials discussed current water levels and strategies to manage the resource efficiently.

To diversify supply sources, Manjula directed officials to explore the feasibility of drawing water from the Hemavati and Kabini reservoirs as alternative arrangements. She also called for a comprehensive report from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on the city's groundwater levels and the status of functioning borewells.

“All appropriate and necessary arrangements must be made from now itself to address any potential issues that may arise in the future,” Manjula said, urging the board to remain vigilant.

Bengaluru, which relies heavily on the Cauvery river system and groundwater, has faced water shortages in previous years due to insufficient monsoon rainfall. The BWSSB's early planning aims to prevent a repeat of such crises.