Short read: Bengaluru’s woes

Climate change is already having a life-changing impact on several parts of India. As we approach summer in India, water shortages have begun to kick-in across the nation with Bangalore being the most high profile of India’s increasingly parched cities. As per The Statesman: “The textile industry, a vital economic player in Bengaluru, is feeling the pinch, with garment factories grappling to maintain regular production. This isn’t just about a momentary disruption. It signals a potential economic downturn that could ripple through various sectors if sustainable practices are not urgently adopted. The challenges extend beyond the industrial landscape. Restaurants…are forced to adapt, with water bills doubling and establishments contemplating disposable plates to alleviate the burden of water-intensive cleaning processes.”

Down to Earth says “Over 30 localities under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) are already receiving water on a rotational basis every alternate day…Bengaluru, up until 1961, had 262 lakes. This figure has now come down to 81, according to the last count taken by the city’s green activists.

Several lakes have ended up being claimed by the real estate business for making housing layouts. The Bengaluru Development Authority and BBMP have been held responsible for levelling over 100 lakes directly and indirectly. Of the 81 lakes that are identified as ‘lakes’, only 33 are living just because they are located in zones where land cannot be reclaimed for any activities, say activists from the National Environment Conservation Foundation….Figures from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) show nearly 90 per cent of Bengaluru’s lakes are on the verge of extinction.”

Now even affluent people living in housing societies are feeling the water shortage: “Vasanth Kumar, president of the PFC RWA, emphasised the importance of reducing water usage amid the prevailing scarcity. He told DTE, “We used to source water through private tankers. But as there is scarcity even in tanker services, we’re looking for alternatives. We’re aware that there is not enough water at the reservoir (Krishna Raja Sagara on the Cauvery in Mandya)…”

So other than the usual one-a-year breast beating what will happen next in India’s Silicon Valley? Crisis meetings are already under way but the state government has not yet announced a plan-of-action. Without a co-ordinated plan, it is hard to see how Bangalore’s legendary tech prowess will help it overcome a long foreseen environmental disaster.

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