Amidst the acute water shortage gripping Bengaluru, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar, made alarming statements on Monday, highlighting that the state is currently facing one of its most severe droughts in the past three to four decades.
He emphasized the crucial nature of the next two months in managing the crisis effectively. Despite the challenges posed by the dwindling water sources and the prevalence of a water "mafia," efforts are underway to ensure a steady water supply to the citizens.
Shivakumar expressed grave concern over the current water situation, noting that drought has been declared in 223 out of 240 taluks in Karnataka, with 196 being categorized as severely affected.
He highlighted the magnitude of the crisis, stressing that it is unparalleled in recent memory. The Deputy Chief Minister, who is also in charge of Bengaluru's development, acknowledged the grim reality that a significant number of borewells in the city—approximately 6,900 out of 13,900—have become defunct.
In response to this dire situation, measures have been put in place to provide water through tankers. Both the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) are working tirelessly to address the water scarcity.
To combat the water crisis effectively, Shivakumar underscored the importance of curbing the activities of the water "mafia" and ensuring fair and equitable water distribution.
He mentioned that the government has implemented an online system to monitor private water tankers, with strict regulations in place to prevent exploitation and exorbitant pricing.
In addition to these immediate measures, Shivakumar outlined long-term plans to alleviate the water scarcity. He mentioned the Cauvery Fifth Stage project, aimed at extending Cauvery water supply to approximately 110 villages around Bengaluru by the end of May.
This initiative is expected to provide a sustainable solution to the water woes faced by these communities. Efforts to regulate private water tankers are also underway, with over 1,500 tankers already registered.
Measures have been implemented to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of these tankers, including monitoring by law enforcement agencies and displaying registration numbers prominently on the vehicles.
Shivakumar concluded by emphasizing the importance of water conservation and urged citizens to prioritize water-saving practices. He assured that the government is committed to addressing the water crisis effectively and urged cooperation from all stakeholders to overcome this pressing challenge.
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