Friday, 03 May 2024
Friday, 03 May 2024
Karnataka, especially its capital Bengaluru, is facing one of the worst water crises in recent years due to poor rainfall in 2023. The Indian Meteorology Department has attributed the scanty rains to El Nino effect.
People on a road amid dry weather due to weak southwest monsoon rains, in Bengaluru. Amid water crisis in the city, Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has banned usage of potable water for non-essential purposes and those found violating the prohibitory order would be fined Rs 5,000.
A bird at the Mallathahalli lake which water level is receding due to weak southwest monsoon rains, in Bengaluru. Malls and cinema halls are permitted to use water only for drinking.
One can gauge the grim situation from the fact that water tankers were seen inside Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's office residence on Kumarakrupa Road in Bengaluru. The public have been urged to use water judiciously and immediately inform the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board's call centre 1916 if anyone is found violating the prohibitory order.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the borewell in his house in Sadashivanagar in the state capital has gone dry for the first time. This happened despite the fact that Sadashivanagar is located next to Sankey Lake.
According to Siddaramaiah, out of 136 Taluks in Karnataka, 123 Taluks have been declared drought hit and 109 are severely affected. The Karnataka government has also decided to set up Taluk level control rooms and helpline to address water woes.
Water tankers running frequently on the Bengaluru roads have become a common sight now. On normal days, the water suppliers used to charge Rs 700 to Rs 800 per tanker but due to excess demand, they are charging somewhere between Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,800 per tanker, according to Shivakumar.
