In the current days, Bengaluru faces a severe shortage of water, leaving residents without bathing water for three to four days and necessitating the purchase of drinking water. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of Karnataka expressed concern, stating that the state is witnessing the most intense drought in the past four decades.
Addressing the crisis, Shivakumar highlighted ongoing efforts by the administration to mitigate the situation and crackdown on water mafias operating in the city. He urged citizens to brace themselves for the next two months, emphasizing the critical importance of this period, especially for Bengaluru.
Shivakumar pointed out that although droughts have occurred before, the current situation is unprecedented in scale. The authorities are working to supply water from the Cauvery River wherever possible in the city. However, a significant challenge is the non-functional status of nearly 6,900 out of 13,900 borewells in the district.
Additionally, Shivakumar disclosed that a substantial tanker system is being employed to address the water scarcity. According to news agency PTI, Karnataka has declared 223 out of 240 taluks, with 196 categorized as severely affected by the drought. Accusing the opposition parties of politicizing the issue, Shivakumar defended the administration’s actions in controlling water mafias and facilitating water supply from private borewells. The rates for water delivery by tankers have been determined based on distance, aiming to ensure equitable access across affected regions.
