Bengaluru water crisis: 8 solutions to tackle water scarcity in Indian cities

Amid fines on non-essential use of water in Bengaluru, people played Holi without water cannons (pichkaris) and water balloons. (Image credit: Bulbul Ahmed via Unsplash)

Just like Bengaluru, water scarcity is a looming threat for many Indian cities including Mumbai, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chennai, Delhi and Bathinda in Punjab - with projections indicating worsening conditions in the near future. As urbanisation accelerates and populations grow, effective water management becomes imperative to ensure the wellbeing of residents and the sustainability of cities. In 2022, a study by the National Institute of Disaster Management delved into the issue and explored potential strategies to mitigate its impact. Here are its recommendations:

1. Rainwater harvesting: Implement rainwater harvesting systems in cities. Besides installing these systems in private buildings and housing societies, they should also be explored in potential areas like roads, flyovers, waterlogged spots, and open spaces.

2. Nature-based solutions: Corporates can fund nature-based solutions like creating green spaces and wetlands. These solutions can absorb excess water on roads, enhancing groundwater recharge.

3. Wastewater treatment: Chennai and Delhi face challenges with sewage disposal. Combining sewage at apartment levels with small-scale treatment plants can increase treatment capacity without needing more land.

4. Reduce, reuse, recycle wastewater: To tackle water pollution in lakes and rivers, combining small treatment plants with existing sewage treatment facilities can help without acquiring new land.

Read more: How Bengaluru start-ups turn wastewater into a resource

5. Conservation of natural water sources: City master plans should prioritise protecting lakes, rivers, and floodplains. Regulating groundwater use, preventing construction on floodplains, and demolishing illegal structures can improve water management.

6. Effective water governance: Promoting green infrastructure like rooftop gardens can capture rainwater effectively. Supporting rural areas with farm-to-table interventions can empower farmers and prevent water exploitation. Cooperation with neighbouring states is crucial for shared water resources.

7. Anti-pollution measures: Preventing illegal waste dumping and addressing sewage discharge and industrial runoffs are essential. Improved technologies and legal actions against polluters are necessary to maintain clean drinking water.

8. Preventive and preparedness measures: Proactive steps like purchasing riparian rights and promoting water conservation acts before crises occur are vital. Strict law enforcement, community resilience building, and public awareness campaigns are essential for effective risk management.