Home / Environment / Bengaluru's Water Woes: Groundwater Unsustainable, Experts Warn
Bengaluru's Water Woes: Groundwater Unsustainable, Experts Warn
20 Apr
Summary
- Groundwater is not a sustainable resource for Bengaluru's water needs.
- Nearly 25% of surface runoff water drains into polluted sewage canals.
- Compulsory rooftop rainwater harvesting could generate significant water.
Bengaluru is grappling with a severe water crisis, largely attributed to an over-reliance on groundwater, which experts deem unsustainable. KC Subhash Chandra, a hydrogeologist and former expert member of the Karnataka Groundwater Authority, stated that approximately 25% of the city's surface runoff water is lost to already polluted sewage canals. This situation, coupled with silt accumulation in lakes, diminishes their capacity and prevents them from receiving fresh water.
Chandra strongly advocated for making rooftop rainwater harvesting a compulsory measure across Bengaluru. He calculated that a single rooftop could potentially generate around 80,000 cubic meters of water, considering the city's average rainfall data. This initiative, he suggested, could significantly alleviate the water scarcity issues that have plagued the city for years, especially during dry summer months.
The city's historical dependence on groundwater has led to its rampant exploitation through borewells, resulting in depletion. The Lifetide Film Festival, themed 'Water in Motion,' screened several documentaries illustrating water scarcity issues across India, including 'P for Pyaaz, P for Paisa, P for Paani,' which depicted water-intensive onion farming in the Narmada Valley.
