As many as 65 wards within the western and northern limits of Bengaluru’s corporation have reported a concerning decline in groundwater levels. In response, the city’s water supply agency has developed a plan costing Rs 10 crores to address potential shortages during the summer months.
A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Science, in collaboration with both central and state groundwater agencies, has highlighted an impending groundwater crisis in various regions as the city approaches another intense summer characterized by rising temperatures and increasing water demand.
Officials from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) stated that the report, which was prepared utilizing AI analytics and Internet of Things-based groundwater monitoring systems, reveals a consistent decrease in water tables across these wards. Scientists examined borewell data, recharge patterns, extraction levels, and seasonal variability to project potential stress during the peak summer months.
The findings align with last year’s trends but indicate a more pronounced decline in certain high-density residential and apartment-heavy areas, particularly in the northern, northwestern, and eastern parts of Bengaluru. The action plan from BWSSB has prioritized the establishment of new water connections in the identified wards, enhanced monitoring of borewells, and instructed its borewell division to ensure that all reverse osmosis (RO) plants operate at optimal efficiency.
“Teams have been directed to inspect and repair damaged pipelines, identify households lacking formal connections, and expedite supply to apartment complexes. Plans are in progress to install tanks in at-risk localities, establish temporary water distribution points in slum and high-density regions, and reinforce Cauvery water supply arrangements wherever possible,” stated Ram Prasath Manohar, chairperson of BWSSB.
The utility will oversee construction sites to guarantee that only treated water is utilized instead of potable water. “Public taps located at temples, malls, and government offices will be equipped with aerators to minimize wastage.
Failure to comply will result in penalties for the non-essential use of drinking water for activities such as vehicle washing, gardening, and cleaning, as was enforced in the previous summer,” he stated. Manohar mentioned that the IISc assessment has provided ward-level insight into the crisis. “We are not relying solely on tankers as an option. Preventive measures are being implemented immediately across all 65 identified wards.”
Groundwater-Stress Wards include Jakkur, Doddabommasandra, Shettihalli, Mallasandra, T Dasarahalli, Jalahalli, Sanjayanagar, Hebbal, Nagawara, Horamavu, Ramamurthy Nagar, Kammanahalli, Kadugondanahalli, Kaval Byrasandra, Manorayanapalya, Peenya Industrial Area, Nandini Layout, JC Nagar, Lingarajapuram, KR Puram, Mahalakshmi Puram, Vijayanagar, Nagarabhavi, Chamarajapet, Koramangala, Kengeri, Girinagar, and Katriguppe.
