The Looming Water Crisis in Bengaluru: A Wake-Up Call for India

 

• • India’s IT capital, Bengaluru, is facing a severe water crisis. The city’s reservoirs are alarmingly low, and residents are struggling to meet their daily water needs. This crisis is a stark reminder of the challenges India faces in managing its water resources.

 

The Perfect Storm: Lack of Rain and Poor Management

 

• • The current water crisis in Bengaluru is a result of two main factors: a lack of rainfall and poor water management practices.
  • The city has witnessed below-average rainfall for several years, leading to depleted water levels in its lakes and reservoirs.

 

However, the lack of rain is not the sole culprit. Bengaluru’s rapid urbanization has put immense strain on its water infrastructure. The city’s water supply system has not kept pace with its population growth, leading to leakages and inefficiencies. Additionally, encroachment on lakes and wetlands has further reduced the city’s water storage capacity.

 

A Crisis with Rippling Effects

 

• • The water crisis is impacting all aspects of life in Bengaluru. Homes and businesses are facing water shortages, disrupting daily routines and livelihoods. Hospitals are struggling to maintain hygiene standards, and schools are being forced to close. The city’s IT industry, a major contributor to India’s economy, is also at risk.

 

A Call to Action: Learning from Bengaluru’s Woes

 

The water crisis in Bengaluru is a wake-up call for all Indian cities. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices. Here are some key steps that can be taken:

 

• • Investing in water infrastructure: Upgrading and expanding water treatment plants, distribution networks, and rainwater harvesting systems is crucial.

• • Water conservation: Implementing water conservation measures in homes, businesses, and industries is essential. Public awareness campaigns can promote responsible water use.

• • Protecting water sources: Protecting lakes, wetlands, and other natural water sources from encroachment and pollution is vital.

• • Improving water governance: Strengthening water governance institutions and ensuring efficient water management practices are critical.

• • The water crisis in Bengaluru is a national concern. By learning from the city’s woes, India can take proactive steps to ensure water security for its citizens and future generations.

 

Study:

 

• • In 2017, a two-year-long study by the institute revealed that 85 per cent of Bengaluru’s remaining water bodies were severely polluted. At the same time, the water supply infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid urbanisation.

• • The situation is particularly alarming when we consider the bigger picture. Experts warn that by 2030, as many as 21 major Indian cities are projected to run out of groundwater. If we fail to take significant mitigation measures, India faces a potential 6% loss in GDP by 2050 due to water scarcity.
• • Additionally, research suggests a significant decline in per capita water availability in India over the past two decades, with projections indicating a further decrease by 2050. This underscores the urgency of addressing water management challenges on a national level.

 

This editorial highlights the gravity of the water crisis in Bengaluru and emphasizes the need for immediate action. It calls for a multi-pronged approach that addresses both infrastructure development and water conservation practices. By learning from Bengaluru’s mistakes, other Indian cities can avert a similar crisis.

(Source: IE)

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

(a) Factors Responsible for Water Crisis in Bengaluru

 

Several factors contribute to Bengaluru’s water crisis:

 

• • Lack of Rainfall: Below-average rainfall in recent years has significantly depleted water levels in lakes and reservoirs.

• • Poor Water Management: Bengaluru’s water infrastructure has not kept pace with its rapid urbanization, leading to leakages, inefficiencies, and inadequate distribution.

• • Encroachment on Water Sources: Encroachment on lakes and wetlands has reduced the city’s natural water storage capacity.

• • Overexploitation of Groundwater: Excessive reliance on groundwater extraction has depleted aquifers faster than their natural recharge rate.

 

(b) Multi-Pronged Approach for Water Security

 

• • Infrastructure Development: Upgrading and expanding water treatment plants, distribution networks, and rainwater harvesting systems are crucial.

• • Water Conservation: Implementing water conservation measures in homes, businesses, and industries through public awareness campaigns and efficient technology.

• • Protecting Water Sources: Restoring lakes, wetlands, and other natural water sources by removing encroachments and preventing pollution.

• • Improved Water Governance: Strengthening institutions responsible for water management and promoting efficient water allocation and pricing policies.

• • Promoting Sustainable Urban Development: Urban planning that incorporates green spaces and rainwater harvesting infrastructure can significantly improve water management.

 

Model Answer:

 

National Implications of Water Scarcity:

• • Economic Impact: Water scarcity can severely impact agriculture, a major contributor to India’s GDP. It can also disrupt industrial production and hinder economic growth.
  • Public Health Crisis: Lack of clean water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, impacting public health and straining healthcare systems.
  • Social Conflict: Water scarcity can exacerbate existing social inequalities and lead to conflicts over water resources.
  • Environmental Degradation: Overexploitation of groundwater resources can lead to land subsidence and saltwater intrusion.

 

Measures for Sustainable Water Management:

• • Water Conservation Awareness: Public awareness campaigns to promote water conservation in households, industries, and agriculture.
  • Regulation and Pricing: Implementing stricter regulations on water usage and introducing water pricing policies that incentivize conservation.
  • Watershed Management: Implementing watershed management practices to improve water retention and recharge groundwater resources.
  • Traditional Water Harvesting Techniques: Reviving and promoting traditional water harvesting techniques like rainwater harvesting and rooftop collection.
  • Inter-basin Water Transfer: Carefully planned inter-basin water transfer projects can be considered where feasible.

 

By implementing these measures, India can promote sustainable water management practices and ensure water security for future generations.

 

Remember, these are just two examples of UPSC Mains questions inspired by the UPSC Environment Bengaluru’s Water Crisis topic. Feel free to modify and adapt them further to fit your specific needs and writing style. Good luck with your preparation!