Bengaluru braces itself for a potentially challenging summer marked by drought conditions, concerns about a looming water crisis have already become a harsh reality for residents in various areas. Irregular water supply and low-pressure water flow are becoming increasingly common, leaving communities in places like Hebbal, Banaswadi, and JC Nagar grappling with the impact.
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Residents in Hebbal’s Coffee Board Layout are experiencing a significant decline in water frequency. Hari Kanniah, a resident, expressed concern about the reduction in water supply from every other day to once in five days. Similarly, in Munireddy Palya, residents are facing erratic supply patterns and shortened supply hours. Martin Kumar from Subbanapalya highlighted a drastic reduction from two hours of uninterrupted Cauvery water supply to only 45 or 50 minutes.
While the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) insists there is no water scarcity, residents suspect water rationing to avert a potential crisis during peak summer. Ramya K from Kasavanahalli pointed out that despite the supply duration remaining the same, dwindling pressure results in insufficient water flow for daily needs. Residents are worried about the combination of poor water supply and depleting borewells aggravating the crisis in several localities.
Contrary to residents’ claims, senior BWSSB officials argue that there is no reduction in supply. BWSSB engineer-in-chief Suresh B clarified that the usual quantity is being supplied, but heightened dependency on Cauvery water due to drying borewells may have led to reduced water pressure in certain areas. This discrepancy in perspectives between residents and BWSSB officials highlights the complexity of the water supply situation in Bengaluru.
Senior BWSSB officials attribute the situation to excessive water consumption by select households. While they insist that the quantity supplied remains consistent, the increased reliance on Cauvery water, especially in areas with drying borewells, may be contributing to reduced water pressure.