Amid the ongoing water scarcity issue plaguing Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, there has been a significant debate regarding the severity of the crisis and the appropriate response from political leaders. Karnataka Congress leader MLC BK Hariprasad recently made statements downplaying the seriousness of the water shortage, sparking controversy and raising questions about the state’s readiness to address this pressing issue.
On March 13, Congress leader BK Hariprasad claimed that there was no serious crisis regarding water scarcity in Bengaluru. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to politicize the water situation for their own gains. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Hariprasad stated, “During summers, always we have problems for two months because of the kind of expansion that has taken place that is huge. There is no serious crisis of water, we have borewells, tankers…they (BJP) are trying to play politics out of water, they are speaking about releasing water to Tamil Nadu but that is not our job, Central Water Commission takes that decision…” This statement reflects a perception that the BJP is using the water issue as a political tool rather than addressing the root causes of the problem.
However, these assertions by Hariprasad have been met with skepticism and criticism from various quarters. Many residents of Bengaluru have expressed their concerns about the worsening water situation in the city. Reports have emerged of people calling for a shift to online work or work-from-home arrangements until the monsoon season arrives.
Sanjeev, a Bengaluru resident, remarked, “Usually the water crisis used to get solved easily but this time as we can see in the news, this is the time I am hearing about water crisis this much…if we get work from home option, that will be helpful.” Another resident, Anuj, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We have an acute water shortage right now in Bengaluru and it is very difficult to survive and do our day-to-day chores. I believe that working from home is something that should be implemented for all employees.”
The severity of the water crisis in Bengaluru has prompted both residents and authorities to take proactive measures. From March to May, Bengaluru typically requires about 8,000 million cubic feet (TMC) of water. However, the current water levels in reservoirs stand at only 34 TMC, highlighting the urgent need for conservation and alternative water sources. To address this challenge, residents have been adopting various water-saving practices, such as using recycled water for washing and cleaning and reducing water usage for non-essential activities.
In addition to individual efforts, the Karnataka government and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) have implemented several measures to mitigate the water scarcity issue. These measures include banning the use of drinking water in swimming pools, extending registration deadlines for private water tanker owners to increase water supply, and fixing rates for water tankers to prevent exploitation by water mafia. Furthermore, BWSSB has initiated projects to install filter borewells and construct water plants to augment water supply in the city.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain in effectively managing the water crisis in Bengaluru downplayed by Congress leader. The city’s rapid urbanization and population growth have placed immense strain on existing water resources, exacerbating the problem of water scarcity. Climate change and unpredictable rainfall patterns further compound this issue, making it imperative for authorities to adopt sustainable water management practices and invest in long-term solutions.
The water scarcity issue in Bengaluru continues to pose significant challenges for residents and policymakers alike. While political leaders engage in debates and accusations, it is essential to prioritize collaborative efforts and pragmatic solutions to address the root causes of the crisis. By promoting water conservation, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering community participation, Bengaluru can work towards ensuring a sustainable and secure water supply for its citizens in the years to come.