Ahead of monsoon, Bengaluru builds nearly 1k recharge wells to boost depleting groundwater level

The board has mainly attributed the current water crisis in the city to inefficient rainwater harvesting and lack of proper water tanks to recharge groundwater.

BWSSB Chairman V Ram Prasath Manohar said, “The water scarcity faced by Bengaluru city is not due to lack of water from Cauvery. There was a shortage because the borewells that supplied water to millions of people who depended on groundwater dried up.”

“In many buildings that have implemented rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharging is not being done properly due to lack of rainwater tanks. Without proper recharging, the groundwater level is decreasing day by day,” he added.

The construction of proper recharge wells and water tanks can not only help recharge the groundwater easily but also reduce pollution through the sluices constructed in zones. It also prevents the excess water from flooding roads or filling up the drainage system.

“Our mission is to make a difference by being an example to others. As many as 986 recharge wells have been constructed in a short period and more are being constructed to allow rainwater to enrich our water table. Our aim is to convince the public to contribute to a prosperous Bengaluru by adopting these practices in their buildings,” the BWSSB chairman emphasised.

While the board is keen to increase people’s awareness and participation in the process, citizens too have shown interest by sending around 74 proposals for projects related to community rainwater harvesting. The first such project is expected to be launched soon.