Bengaluru water crisis: Government has warned that water tanker, prices will be fixed soon

Bengaluru water crisis: Government has warned that water tanker, prices will be fixed soon

Karnataka is urgently tackling the severe water shortage in Bengaluru, according to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. He mentioned that more than 3,000 borewells in the city, including the one at his home, have run dry.

To deal with the situation rationally, RWAs across the city have initiated water rationing in their localities and imposed blanket bans on activities such as vehicle washing and swimming pool usage. The aim is to control water wastage and ensure equitable distribution among residents.

Additionally, a well-known residential area in the southern part of Bengaluru has suggested to its residents to consider using disposable cutlery and wet wipes for washing hands and face.

The state is working continuously to find all the places where water is present, he guaranteed. "I am taking this very seriously. I met with all the officials, and we are managing all the tanks and locating the spots where there is water. We have explored 217 tunnels. In Bangalore, more than 3,000 borewells have run dry. The water that comes from the Cauvery is the only water available." he explained.

The Deputy Chief Minister also criticized the Central government for not assisting with the Mekedatu project. "We are in a tough spot. That's why we advocated for water through the Mekedatu project. I hope the central government will now step in to help us resolve the Mekedatu issue," he expressed.

Last year, Mr. Shivakumar mentioned that the suggested Mekedatu project, a reservoir to balance water in the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, was the sole solution to the dispute over water sharing with neighboring states.

The worsening water crisis is making residents pay excessively high prices for water tankers. Previously priced at ₹500, a 5,000-liter water tanker in the city is now being sold for ₹2,000.

Mr. Shivakumar stated that we will make sure to offer it at a very affordable rate for everyone.

On March 4, he told water tanker owners in the state that if they didn't register with the authorities before the March 7 deadline, their tankers would be taken away.

Out of the 3,500 water tankers in Bengaluru city, only 10%, which is 219 tankers, have registered with the authorities, he mentioned. The government will take them away if they don't register before the deadline.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of Karnataka stated that 223 out of the state's 236 talukas are facing drought. Among them, 219 are severely affected, he added.