Replenish groundwater for our growing cities

With climate change now a reality, ecological experts should come up with multiple solutions to ensure that rainwater is effectively harvested and dependence on groundwater is reduced.

I.   Groundwater Issue in India:

• Borewells in Urban sphere: The unbridled drilling of borewells in Bengaluru has emerged as a critical issue, despite efforts by a dedicated team to monitor and regulate this activity.
• Legality of borewells: With numerous complaints, particularly on the city's outskirts where Cauvery water supply remains elusive, questions arise about the legality of borewells and the consequences of unauthorized drilling.

II.  What Constitutes an Illegal Borewell?

• Authorization: The legality of a borewell hinges on obtaining proper authorization from the authorities.
• Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB): The Bengaluru BWSSB grants permission for small residential plots, while the Karnataka Ground Water Authority oversees high-rises and commercial buildings.
• However, the process is marred by bureaucratic red tape, hindering the effectiveness of regulatory measures.

III. The Commercialization Threat

• The surge in illegal borewells traces its roots to the burgeoning business of selling groundwater in tankers.
• As the demand for water escalated, particularly in areas where Cauvery water supply remains a distant prospect, unscrupulous practices led to overexploitation of depleting groundwater.
• The absence of laws governing groundwater use and sale exacerbated the situation.

IV.  Regulatory Measures and Crackdown

• Penal Action: Recognizing the severity of the issue, the Groundwater Directorate has initiated penal actions against offenders.
  • This crackdown aims to curb rampant drilling and prevent further depletion of the water table.

V.   Urbanization and Water Demand

• Rapid urbanization: The uncontrolled use of groundwater is symptomatic of rapid urbanization without commensurate infrastructure development.
  • The proliferation of housing complexes, apartments, and businesses in Bengaluru and its periphery has intensified the demand for water, leading to increased reliance on borewells.

VI.  The Looming Water Crisis

• Demand and Supply gap: Bengaluru, requiring nearly 2,700 million liters of water per day, faces a significant deficit as the BWSSB supplies only around 1,400 MLD. Borewells, some drilled as deep as 1,700 feet, bridge the gap.
• With drought looming over Karnataka and a deficient monsoon causing low dam water levels, dependence on groundwater is poised to increase in the coming year.

VII. Depleting Aquifers: A Long-Term Concern

• The consequence of unchecked borewell drilling is the depletion of aquifers, a vital source of sustainable groundwater.
• To address this, efforts must be directed towards recharging lakes and preserving green spaces.
• Sponge Cities: Urban planning should prioritize the development of 'sponge cities' with wetlands to capture rain runoff, ultimately replenishing aquifers.

VIII. Climate Change Imperative

• As climate change becomes an undeniable reality, ecological experts must devise comprehensive solutions to harvest rainwater effectively.
• Reducing dependence on groundwater necessitates innovative strategies to manage water resources sustainably in the face of evolving climate patterns.

Future Directions

• The unregulated drilling of borewells in Bengaluru poses a formidable challenge that demands immediate attention.
• A holistic approach involving streamlined regulatory processes, increased awareness, and innovative urban planning is crucial to mitigate the looming water crisis.
• Sustainable water management practices, especially in the face of climate change, must be prioritized to ensure the well-being of Bengaluru and its residents in the years to come.