Residents of the 32-storey Shapoorji Pallonji Parkwest housing society in central Bengaluru’s Hosakere Road have taken to the streets in protest as their water supply faces disruption. The high-end flats, valued at Rs 2 crore onwards each, have left residents chanting, “We want water!” in frustration.
Experts attribute much of the crisis to rampant construction activities across the city. The increasing demand for real estate has exacerbated the water situation, leading to strains on existing resources and infrastructure.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah disclosed that nearly half of the city’s bore wells have dried up. Piped water from the Kaveri River is sporadic, while areas incorporated into the city limits in 2007 still rely on failing bore wells due to declining water table levels.
Even areas previously supplied by the BWSSB are facing shortages. Residents like Sayan Saha, residing near Begur Road, find themselves without water, resorting to alternatives like tanker water or seeking assistance from friends.
Experts propose implementing a ban on water supply to construction sites, particularly those near the IT corridor of Whitefield, which heavily depend on groundwater through bore wells.
TV Ramachandra, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), advocates for penalizing developers who use groundwater for construction purposes, suggesting instead that the government sell treated water from treatment plants to developers.
BWSSB announced plans to collaborate with CREDAI Bengaluru to supply treated water to construction sites and large housing societies. Ramachandra highlights the need for stricter water management policies by the state government to address the root causes of the crisis, warning that the situation may worsen as summer approaches.
