TNN City Desk I Updated Feb 25, 2024, 12:36 PM IST
The gravity of the situation came to the forefront during a coordination committee meeting presided over by Rakesh Singh, additional chief secretary of the urban development department, alongside officials from BBMP and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
Bengaluru: Amid the looming summer season, concerns over drinking water scarcity have surfaced at 58 locations across Bengaluru, as reported by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). These areas, primarily situated in tech hubs like Mahadevapura and Bommanahalli, as well as RR Nagar, Yelahanka, and Dasarahalli zones, are grappling with the impending water crisis. Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). While the focus remains on these 58 locations, including upscale residential complexes, BWSSB has identified an additional 257 points across the city as waterstressed. Ram Prasath Manohar, chairman of BWSSB, assured that measures are underway to mitigate the crisis. Initiatives include the deployment of existing 68 tankers for supplying potable water, acquisition of 18 new tankers, and hiring of 200 private tankers to meet the escalating demand anticipated during the summer months. Manohar expressed optimism, stating that the situation is expected to improve by the end of April with the completion of projects under Cauvery V Stage.
In tandem, BBMP has also mobilised efforts to tackle the impending challenges. Rakesh Singh, also the BBMP administrator, emphasised the need for immediate action. Additional borewells will be drilled in severely affected areas, while defunct or dried-up Reverse Osmosis (RO) water plants will be repaired and reactivated by connecting them to nearby borewells. Singh urged officials to ensure round-theclock dispensation of potable water. Tushar Giri Nath, BBMP chief commissioner, issued directives for a comprehensive assessment of water-stressed areas and prompt allocation of funds to address the crisis. He reaffirmed the commitment to prevent any water shortage across the city, with zonal commissioners instructed to prioritise the allocation of tankers and borewells to affected areas. Contrary to the situation on the outskirts, BWSSB engineers affirmed that central parts of Bengaluru continue to receive a steady supply of 1,450 million litres per day (MLD) from the TK Halli pumping station in Mandya district. They clarified that while there is no scarcity owing to ample reserves at reservoirs like Krishnaraja Sagar, the challenge is predominant in peripheral areas dependent on groundwater. Acknowledging the severity of the crisis in newly added villages within BBMP limits, Rakesh Singh highlighted the need for focused intervention. Zonal officials are tasked with coordinating with BWSSB to ensure efficient operation of water tankers in these localities.
As Bengaluru braces for the sweltering summer, concerted efforts are underway to mitigate the looming water scarcity and safeguard the city's residents from the impending crisis.
The Original Article can be Found at : https://www.timesnownews.com/bengaluru/bengaluru-braces-for-water-scarcity-bbmp-lists-58-locations-of-concern-article-107980970