Tankers supply water to quench the thirst of residents in parts of the city

As temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius in the city, groundwater levels are declining in various areas, leading to water shortages. Water tanker operations have begun in several neighborhoods in eastern Bengaluru.

About a month ago, scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) warned that groundwater levels could drop in 80 wards of the city between February and April. Following this prediction, certain neighborhoods reported signs of groundwater depletion, resulting in water scarcity issues.

 Areas like KR Puram, Kanakpura, Horamavu., K Channasandra and  in Eastern Bengaluru are experiencing increased water problems, prompting the start of tanker operations. Residents in Ramamurthy Nagar and Munnekollal have also complained that those recently connected to the Cauvery water supply are not receiving adequate water. Furthermore, residents have expressed frustration at the lack of timely responses from the water supply authority.

Last year, the water authority set up Sintax tanks in various neighborhoods to supply water via tankers, but no such arrangements have been initiated this year. With daily water issues worsening, residents like Chandrakala from Kalkere are urging for better tanker water supply arrangements.

Dried Up Lakes and Groundwater Depletion:** Lakes such as Begur and Hulimavu have dried up, causing a reduction in water levels in surrounding borewells. Additionally, high connection fees and uncertainty about adequate water supply have prevented many residential complexes from connecting to the Cauvery water system. Many residents are relying on private tankers and groundwater, which locals believe indirectly contributes to groundwater depletion and water scarcity.

In areas like Andrahalli, Vidyanagar, and Veerabhadranagar in the Rajarajeshwari Nagar vicinity, water levels in bore wells owned by the BBMP are also low. Homes connected to the Cauvery system are still not receiving water, leading residents to call for the water authority's attention to resolve these issues.