Karnataka is grappling with one of its severest water crises in decades. The situation has become so dire that a coaching center located in Vijayanagar, Bengaluru, has instructed its students to attend classes online for a week due to an ’emergency’.
The state, particularly its capital Bengaluru, is confronting one of the most acute water shortages in recent memory, primarily attributed to inadequate rainfall in 2023. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the scanty rainfall to the El Nino effect.
Water Crisis in Karnataka
In recent days, water tankers have become a common sight on Bengaluru’s roads. The Deputy Chief Minister of the state noted that ordinarily, water suppliers charged between Rs 700 to Rs 800 per tanker, but due to heightened demand, they are now asking for rates ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,800 per tanker.
Shivakumar further mentioned that the borewell at his residence in Sadashivanagar, situated in the state capital, has dried up for the first time. This occurrence is notable, especially considering Sadashivanagar’s proximity to Sankey Lake.
Are Bengaluru Schools Closed Tomorrow?
A school on Bannerghatta Road in Bengaluru has been shut down, asking the students to attend classes virtually. Although there’s no information about whether other schools in the city will be closed or not, The students and parents are advised to stay in contact with the school authorities.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike face mounting pressure to ensure water provision for the populace. According to a BWSSB official, the situation appears dire as the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam in Mandya district, the source of Cauvery water for Bengaluru, suffers from insufficient water levels exacerbated by the summer season.