Bengaluru in Grip of Water Crisis: Residents Struggle as Borewells Dry, Toilets Overflow

Bengaluru: India’s tech capital, Bengaluru, is grappling with a severe water crisis. Declining groundwater levels and drought in the Cauvery basin have exacerbated the situation, forcing residents to resort to desperate measures.

The crisis has reached a point where residents are using toilets in malls due to lack of water at home. Social media is flooded with posts expressing frustration and fear as people struggle to secure water for basic needs.

Borewells Dry Up, Fines for Water Wastage

The city’s water authority, the Karnataka Water Supply and Sewerage Board, has imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 for using treated water for car washing, gardening, and other non-essential activities. However, even borewells, a common source of groundwater, are drying up, leaving many reliant on expensive water tankers.

A Glimpse into the Crisis

A now-deleted Reddit post captured the dire situation: “Most tenants have vacated… It’s not uncommon to see residents using toilets in nearby malls.” The high cost of water tankers adds to the woes, forcing residents to choose between basic needs and financial strain.

Uncertainty and Fear Grip the City

Long queues at water tankers and municipal taps have become a common sight in Bengaluru. The looming uncertainty about water availability has residents worried about the future.

Social Media Reflects Frustration and Fear

Citizens are venting their frustration online. One user commented, “Summer has barely begun, and there’s water scarcity already.” Others expressed concerns about the city’s sustainability, with some suggesting work-from-home options as a temporary solution.