Poor monsoon could trigger drinking water shortage in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: The monsoon rain has been poor in the state this season and rainfall has been much below normal. Due to this, reservoirs are running dry, sparking fears of a drinking water crisis in Bengaluru.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has woken up to the possibility and held an emergency meeting to prevent a drinking water shortage. The meeting also discussed supplying water to the city from the Hemavathi and Kabini reservoirs. The BWSSB chairman has instructed to take precautionary measures to prevent a drinking water problem.

Due to the delayed monsoon and rainfall deficit in the Cauvery basin, Tamil Nadu has demanded additional water from Karnataka. With inflow into Karnataka’s reservoirs dropping significantly this June, this water demand has once again brought the old dispute between the two states to the forefront.

The Tamil Nadu government has urged Karnataka to release its share of water. Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a halt to the Mekedatu project and release of Cauvery water.

Amid the Cauvery dispute, fears of a drinking water crisis in Bengaluru have also started. Last year too, people in the city struggled without drinking water. They managed their days by buying water through private tankers. Concerns have arisen whether a similar situation will arise again.