BBMP’s Ingenious Solution: ‘Ingu Gundi’ To Tackle Bengaluru’s Water Woes

Bengaluru

In a strategic move to combat water scarcity and groundwater depletion in the capital, the BBMP horticulture department has unleashed the power of 'Ingu Gundi' as a potent solution, initiating the redirection of rainwater flow into the ground. Once known as the city of lakes and wells, Bengaluru has grappled with water source depletion amid rapid urbanization, with buildings and cement roads dominating the landscape. To address this pressing issue, the BBMP has embarked on a mission to construct 'Ingu Gundi' pits in parks and forests within the city. Bengaluru receives an average annual rainfall of 845 mm, yet a significant portion of this water is lost as runoff into drains. To curb this wastage and bolster groundwater levels, the Horticulture Department of BBMP has successfully built 966 'Ingu' wells in 83 gardens during the 2022-23 period. Collaborating with 'Unite Way Bangalore,' the department aims to construct a total of 1,000 'Ingu' pits in 117 gardens using CSR grants. These innovative pits not only prevent the decline of water levels in lakes, wells, and borewells but also contribute to maintaining adequate levels even during the scorching summer months. R. Chandrasekhar, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department of BBMP, highlights that the roots of plants and trees receive optimal watering, fostering better care and nutrition while preventing soil erosion. The water collected in these 'Ingu' pits serves as a valuable resource, available for periodic use to nourish the garden's flora. Additionally, BBMP horticulture department officials note that these pits play a crucial role in maintaining groundwater levels in borewells within a range of 50-60 meters. The 'Ingu Gundi' initiative showcases BBMP's commitment to sustainable water management, offering a promising solution to Bengaluru's water challenges and paving the way for a greener and water-secure future.