Title: From "City of Lakes" to a City in Crisis
Introduction:
Bangalore, once fondly known as the “City of 1000 Lakes,” is now grappling with an
escalating water crisis that threatens the sustainability of one of India’s fastest-growing
metropolises. Historically, the city was renowned for its intricate network of lakes, ponds, and
open tanks, which were ingeniously designed to collect rainwater and recharge groundwater.
These water bodies were not only essential for drinking and agriculture but also helped
maintain the city’s pleasant microclimate.
However, the unchecked march of urbanisation has transformed Bangalore’s landscape
beyond recognition. Iconic lakes have been erased from the map—Sule Lake was converted
into a football stadium, Akkitimmana Lake into a hockey ground, and Sampangi Lake now
lies beneath the Sri Kanteerava Stadium. Dharmambudhi Lake, once a major water body,
has been replaced by the Kempegowda Bus Station. The destruction of these reservoirs has
severely disrupted natural rainwater percolation, leading to significant groundwater
depletion, as reported by sources such as the International Journal of the Commons and the
Environment & Society Portal.
With vanishing lakes, the city’s dependence on groundwater and borewells has increased
exponentially. Reports from [Link] highlight that many borewells in Bangalore have already
dried up due to over-extraction, reflecting the unsustainable pressure on underground
aquifers. Simultaneously, Bangalore relies on the distant Cauvery River for nearly 70%
of its drinking water, as reported by CNN, despite the river itself suffering from reduced
rainfall and seasonal drying. This dependency, coupled with erratic monsoons and climate
variability, has made the city vulnerable to acute water shortages.
Rapid population growth has further strained Bangalore’s already fragile water
infrastructure. As outlined in the Team Tweaks blog, the city's population boom has
significantly increased water demand, while supply systems and policies have failed to keep
pace. In the absence of a reliable public water supply, many residents are now forced to rely
on private water tankers, the prices of which have risen sharply, making clean water a luxury
for some, rather than a basic right.
The root of Bangalore's water crisis lies in a combination of unplanned urban development,
the destruction of natural ecosystems, overexploitation of resources, and ineffective
water governance. If these issues are not addressed urgently, the consequences could be
irreversible.
How Singapore Became a Global Leader in Water Management
Singapore is a small country with very few natural water sources. In the past, it
depended heavily on water from Malaysia and faced the risk of water shortages. To solve this
problem, Singapore worked hard to create its own water supply through smart planning, new
technology, and public awareness. Today, it is known as a world leader in water management.
Challenges:
Dependence on Malaysia:
Singapore had a water crisis since it gained independence in 1965. In 1965, Singapore
depended on the state of Johor, Malaysia, for water resources under two agreements. On
September 1st, 1961, they made an agreement with Johor, Malaysia. In that, they allowed
Singapore to draw up to 86 million gallons of water per day from the rivers of Tebrau,
Skudai, Pontian Reservoir, and Gunung Pulai Reservoir. For this, Singapore paid RM5
(Ringgit Malaysia currency) per acre each year for using the land, and for raw water, they
paid 3 sen for every 1000 gallons of water. In return, Singapore gave back clean water to
Johor at a high rate of 50 cents per 1000 gallons of clean water. The agreement expired in
2011. On September 29th, 1962, Singapore made another agreement to draw up to 250
million imperial gallons of raw water per day from the Johor River. For raw water, they paid 3
sen for every 1000 gallons of water. No large rivers and lakes. Increasing demand for clean
water due to the growing population. Not enough space for large reservoirs.
Strategies:
They introduced “FOUR NATIONAL TAPS” to ensure water security:
● Local catchment water: Started collecting rainwater through canals and reservoirs.
Two-thirds of the land was used to catch rainwater.
● Import water: Singapore continues to take water from Malaysia under the 1962
agreement because it is valid till 2061.
● NEWater (recycled wastewater): Ultra-clean water produced by treating sewage.
They are used for industrial purposes and drinking.
● Desalination: Removes salt from seawater to produce drinking water. It has 5
desalination plants, supplying up to 30% of water needs.
Innovative Solutions to Water Scarcity in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, once celebrated for its lakes and pleasant climate, is now facing a severe water
crisis due to rapid urbanisation, vanishing water bodies, overdependence on groundwater, and
poor water management. As the city continues to grow, it becomes increasingly urgent to
adopt innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions to ensure a reliable water future. Several
modern technologies and strategies are particularly well-suited to address Bengaluru’s unique
challenges.
1. Smart Water Management Systems
One of the most promising advancements is the use of Smart Water Management Systems.
These systems utilise Internet of Things (IOT) sensors to monitor water flow in real-time,
detect pipeline leaks, and regulate distribution efficiently. Bengaluru loses nearly 45% of its
treated water due to leakage and outdated infrastructure. Implementing smart meters and
real-time monitoring can drastically reduce such losses while helping authorities and
residents understand and control their usage better.
2. Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater Harvesting is another practical and essential solution. Despite receiving nearly 970
mm of rainfall annually, most of this water is lost to runoff due to poor storage infrastructure.
Installing rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in homes, apartments, and offices can help
capture and store rainwater for non-drinking purposes. Furthermore, directing rainwater into
recharge pits or wells can help replenish Bengaluru’s rapidly depleting groundwater reserves.
3. Wastewater Recycling and Reuse
Equally important is Wastewater Recycling and Reuse. Bengaluru produces over 1,400
million litres of wastewater daily. A large portion of this remains untreated. By installing
decentralised sewage treatment plants (STPS) in residential complexes and tech parks, the
city can treat and reuse wastewater for non-potable purposes like gardening, flushing, and
construction. This reduces dependence on fresh water and is especially effective in large
urban communities.
4. Drip Irrigation Systems
In green spaces and urban farms, Drip Irrigation Systems provide a water-efficient alternative
to conventional watering methods. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots in a
controlled manner, minimising evaporation and surface runoff. For Bengaluru’s gardens,
public parks, and peri-urban agriculture, this system can conserve up to 60% of water
compared to traditional sprinklers.
5. Aquifer Recharge
Aquifer Recharge is a long-term solution to Bengaluru’s groundwater crisis. Thousands of
borewells in the city have dried up due to over-extraction. By channelling treated greywater
or rainwater into recharge wells and percolation tanks, the city can help restore underground
water tables. This strategy is particularly important in areas that rely heavily on borewell
water.
6. Desalination
Another futuristic, yet increasingly viable solution is Desalination. Though Bengaluru is not a
coastal city, the government has proposed plans to bring desalinated water from nearby coasts
like Mangaluru. Desalination plants remove salt from seawater, making it suitable for
consumption. While expensive and energy-intensive, desalination can act as a backup or
supplementary source of water during periods of extreme scarcity, especially if supported by
renewable energy.
7. Water-Efficient Fixtures
Water-Efficient Fixtures such as dual-flush toilets, low-flow taps, and motion-sensor faucets
can also make a major difference at the household and institutional level. Widespread
adoption of these appliances reduces daily water consumption without compromising hygiene
or comfort. In a city of over 13 million people, the cumulative impact of such simple changes
can be enormous.
Conclusion
Each of these solutions directly responds to Bengaluru’s pressing water issues—from
infrastructure losses and groundwater depletion to poor recycling practices and climate
uncertainty. By combining traditional conservation methods with modern technological
innovations, Bengaluru can build a resilient, sustainable water management system for the
future.
Works Cited
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. "Analysis: Indian Tech Hub Bengaluru Reeling from
Water Crisis." Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. May 10, 2024.
[Link]
CNN. "India's 'Silicon Valley' Is Running Dry as Residents Urged to Take Fewer Showers."
CNN. March 14, 2024.
[Link]
[Link].
Rural India Online. "Rapid Urbanisation and Seasonal Effects on the Lake Ecosystem
Dynamics in Bengaluru, South India." Rural India Online.
[Link]
ecosystem-dynamics-from-2002-to-2022-in-bengaluru-south-india/.
Srinivas, Smriti. "The Lost Lakes of Bangalore." Environment & Society Portal. 2016.
[Link]
Sundaresan, J. "Contested Urban Commons: Mapping the Transition of a Lake to a Sports
Stadium in Bangalore." International Journal of the Commons. 2014.
[Link]
Team Tweaks. "Water Scarcity in Bangalore - Impacts and Solutions for Sustainable
Development." Team Tweaks.
[Link]
