Bengaluru Water Crisis: Here are experts suggestions to help you overcome water shortage

In Bengaluru, the looming threat of a water crisis has been exacerbated by a near-record increase in mercury levels and the absence of pre-monsoon showers. This concerning situation calls for a collective effort from all stakeholders to address the imminent challenges.

A recent roundtable discussion, organized by Fix Bengaluru, brought together a panel of experts to explore diverse solutions to combat the crisis. The event, titled "From flow to drought: Navigating Bengaluru’s water crisis together," highlighted the urgency of the situation.

Simar Kohli, founder of Lifetide, emphasized the need to move beyond mere lamentation, urging participants to adopt mindful water usage practices. Salomi Rani from Total Environment underscored the significance of cleaning and linking stormwater drains to Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), thus enabling the reuse of treated water for various purposes.


Alisha Contractor from SatSure proposed the expansion of social forests and the mapping of areas with good catchment to enhance water sources. Ashwin Jaipuri, founder of Watergen, advocated for a shift away from non-renewable sources like borewells, suggesting the exploration of innovative methods such as extracting moisture from the air to create drinking water.

Rishi Vandan from EarthFokus, Vikar Brahmavar from Boson Whitewater, and Arun Peeroli, a startup enthusiast, contributed valuable insights on sustainable water management models. The panelists stressed the importance of exchanging ideas, embracing innovative solutions, and fostering a collective commitment to tackle Bengaluru’s water crisis.

In response to an appeal from TOI for suggestions and ideas from its readers, a multitude of conservation methods were shared by individuals from various backgrounds. Notably, 23% of respondents reported discontinuing the use of showers for bathing and refraining from running water to clean vehicles. Another 23% recommended the efficient utilization of RO reject water by storing it for alternative household purposes.

Furthermore, 17% of participants advocated for the installation of aerators and the practice of turning off taps when not in use. Additionally, 10% urged the government to consider long-term solutions such as decentralized city development and policy changes for improved waterbody management and distribution systems.

In conclusion, as Bengaluru grapples with the looming water crisis, proactive measures, collaborative efforts, and innovative solutions are imperative to ensure sustainable water management and conservation for the future.

(The article was orignially published in TOI)