IISc Study Flags Groundwater Crisis; BWSSB Readies 10Cr Summer Plan65 Wards Left High & Dry

Bengaluru: As many as 65 wards in Bengaluru's western and northern corporation limits have reported alarming depletion in groundwater levels and the city water supply agency has drawn up a Rs 10-crore plan to mitigate potential shortages in summer months.A study by Indian Institute of Science, conducted in collaboration with central and state groundwater agencies, flagged a looming groundwater crisis in several parts as the city heads into another intense summer marked by soaring temperatures and rising water demand.
Officials from Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) said the report, prepared using AI analytics and Internet of Things-based groundwater monitoring systems, indicates a steady fall in water tables in these wards. Scientists analysed borewell data, recharge patterns, extraction levels, and seasonal variability before projecting likely stress during the peak summer months.The findings are consistent with last year's trend but show a sharper decline in certain high-density residential and apartment-dominated zones, particularly in north, northwest, and east Bengaluru, they said.BWSSB's action plan has prioritised new water connections in the identified wards, intensified borewell monitoring, and directed its borewell division to ensure all RO plants function optimally."Teams were instructed to inspect and repair damaged pipelines, identify households without formal connections and fast-track supply to apartment complexes. Plans are underway to install tanks in vulnerable localities, set up temporary water distribution points in slum and high-density areas, and strengthen Cauvery water supply arrangements wherever feasible," said Ram Prasath Manohar, chairperson of BWSSB.The utility will monitor construction sites to ensure they use only treated water instead of potable water. "Public taps at temples, malls and govt offices are to be fitted with aerators to reduce wastage. Otherwise, penalties will be imposed for non-essential use of drinking water for vehicle washing, gardening, and cleaning as we did in previous summer," he said.Manohar said the IISc assessment has given ward-level clarity of a crisis. "We are not waiting for tankers to become the only option. Preventive measures are being rolled out immediately in all 65 identified wards."Groundwater-Stress WardsJakkur, Doddabommasandra, Shettihalli, Mallasandra, T Dasarahalli, Jalahalli, Sanjayanagar, Hebbal, Nagawara, Horamavu, Ramamurthy Nagar, Kammanahalli, Kadugondanahalli, Kaval Byrasandra, Manorayanapalya, Peenya Industrial Area, Nandini Layout, JC Nagar, Lingarajapuram, KR Puram, Mahalakshmi Puram, Vijayanagar, Nagarabhavi, Chamarajapet, Koramangala, Kengeri, Girinagar and Katriguppe.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !