On Tuesday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured the public of the government’s commitment to ensuring an adequate water supply to Bengaluru despite the prevailing challenges.
Addressing the media, Shivakumar acknowledged the severe water crisis affecting all areas of Bengaluru, noting that even his own borewell had dried up. Despite the dire situation, he pledged that the government would prioritize water supply to the city, regardless of the cost.
The water scarcity in Bengaluru has reached critical levels, exacerbated by the depletion of borewells due to insufficient rainfall. Residents have been cautioned to conserve water usage amidst the crisis, while private water tankers have capitalized on the situation by charging exorbitant rates for water delivery.
Responding to concerns about inconsistent pricing among private water tankers, Shivakumar revealed efforts to regulate the industry. He stated that all water tankers must register with authorities, with pricing determined based on the distance travelled.
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Shivakumar also criticized the central government for obstructing the Mekedatu reservoir project, which could alleviate Bengaluru’s water woes. Despite repeated appeals and demonstrations, the project has not received approval from the Centre, prompting Shivakumar to urge for its immediate consideration.
In response to the crisis, Shivakumar disclosed measures discussed during a meeting with various government officials. Plans were made to utilize water sources within a 15-kilometre radius of urban areas and to transport water from neighbouring towns such as Ramanagara, Hosakote, Channapatna, and Magadi to supplement Bengaluru’s water supply using tankers.
The government’s concerted efforts aim to address Bengaluru’s pressing water scarcity issue and relieve its residents amidst the challenging circumstances.
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