Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s denial of a water crisis in Bengaluru stands in stark contrast to the daily struggles faced by residents grappling with acute water shortages. Despite Shivakumar’s assurances, numerous reports from various parts of the city paint a picture of escalating water scarcity, causing significant inconvenience and distress to the populace.
Residents of Bengaluru, particularly those residing in areas like Whitefield, KR Puram, Electronic City, RR Nagar, Kengeri, and CV Raman Nagar, have been enduring severe water scarcity for weeks. The situation has become increasingly dire, with residents reporting symptoms of a looming crisis, including headaches and stomach aches, followed by vomiting.
In response to these concerns, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru’s development, asserted that there is no water crisis in the city. He downplayed the severity of the situation by stating that only around 7,000 borewells had dried up and that alternative arrangements had been made. However, his reassurances seem at odds with the lived experiences of Bengaluru’s residents, who continue to grapple with water scarcity on a daily basis.
Deputy CM Shivakumar’s remarks come amid political wrangling, with the Congress leader BK Hariprasad echoing similar sentiments, dismissing claims of a water crisis and accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of playing political games. Shivakumar also refuted allegations that the Congress government was surreptitiously releasing Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, attributing such accusations to political maneuvering by the BJP.
The water scarcity in Bengaluru has prompted residents to adopt various coping mechanisms, ranging from exploring work-from-home options to resorting to alternate-day bathing routines. Even residents in high-rise apartments equipped with water harvesting facilities are relying on water tankers for their daily needs. Additionally, eateries in the city are contemplating the use of disposable cups and plates to mitigate water usage.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the Karnataka government has initiated several measures to address the water crisis. Civic authorities have undertaken efforts to replenish groundwater sources by filling drying lakes with treated water. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) plans to install filter borewells and construct water plants near restored lake beds to provide water after rigorous testing.
Despite these efforts, the water crisis in Bengaluru remains a pressing concern, with residents continuing to face significant hardships. The discrepancy between official assurances and ground realities underscores the need for proactive and sustainable solutions to address the city’s water woes. Additionally, political bickering only serves to distract from the urgent need for collaborative action to ensure access to clean and adequate water for all residents of Bengaluru.