Water crisis in Bengaluru: Housing society implements fine for water misuse

Bengaluru, India’s IT hub, is grappling with a severe water shortage due to scanty rainfall, leading to a significant drop in the Cauvery River’s water level. This scarcity is affecting not only irrigation but has also led to a drinking water crisis in parts of Karnataka’s capital.

In response to the dire situation, a housing society in Bengaluru’s Whitefield district, “The Palm Meadows,” has implemented a ₹5,000 fine for residents found misusing drinking water. The society, currently relying on borewells amid a four-day water shortage from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, risks the rapid depletion of groundwater.

Whitefield, Yelahanka, and Kanakapura are among the worst-affected areas in the city due to the ongoing water scarcity. Various housing societies in Bengaluru have also cautioned residents to be mindful of their daily water usage.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar convened a crucial meeting to tackle the drinking water shortage in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar emphasized the seriousness of the issue, revealing that over 3,000 borewells have dried up in the city.

To regulate water tanker operations, Shivakumar issued a warning, stating that tankers not registered with authorities by the March 7 deadline would face government seizure. With a harsher summer anticipated, government assessments as of February 10 indicate potential drinking water crises in 7,082 villages across Karnataka and 1,193 wards, including those in Bengaluru Urban district. 

Previously Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on March 4 said that the civic body has set up a war room to address the acute water shortage in Bengaluru. Speaking to reporters on the water crisis in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said, “We have set up a war room to monitor the water situation in Bengaluru in real-time. BBMP helplines and ward-wise grievance centers are in place to address complaints related to water shortage in the city.  Senior officials and I will personally oversee the situation daily. Providing drinking water to the citizens is the government’s responsibility. There is no need to be worried.”