BENGALURU, 24 FEB

In a bid to tide over the looming water crisis starting in the City, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is going to install 58 new borewells.

Out of the 58 borewells, 25 are to be dug in RR Nagar, 16 in Mahadevpura, five in Bommanahalli and three in Yelahanka and Dasarahalli. Rs 131 crore has been allocated for this project. 110 villages will be covered under this project, said Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath on Saturday during a press conference.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department Rakesh Singh has also instructed the Zonal Commissioners to take appropriate measures to control water shortage.

Water tankers will provide water to the RO drinking water plants until the borewells are dug and connected, said Girinath. Girinath said the tube wells across the City are handed over to the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSSB). “If there is a need for more tubewells in the future, the tube well will be drilled by Jalamandali (Water Corporation), and the cost will be borne by BBMP,” said the Commissioner.

Speaking at the conference, Ram Prasat Manohar, Chairman of BWSSB said that 19 Thousand Million Cubic feet (TMC) of water is being distributed annually in the Bengaluru area and about 1,472 Million litres per Day is being supplied daily. An estimated 9.48 TMC of water is required from February to July 2024, he said.

10.84 lakh are connected with water supply from the water board in the City. Out of 10,955 tube wells, 1,214 tube wells have dried up and the water level has decreased in 3,700 tube wells.

BWSSB has identified 257 places with severe water problems. According to BWSSB 68 old tankers along with 18 new tankers and 200 private tankers will supply water in these areas. The BWSSB Chairman said that the 5th phase of Kaveri will be completed by the end of April.