Background:
- The metro city of Banglore is facing a severe water crisis.
- The water crisis is not confined to Bengaluru but affects much of Karnataka and neighboring Telangana and Maharashtra.
- It’s linked to last year’s monsoon performance and the nature of the region’s aquifers.
Drinking Water Supply in Bengaluru:
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Causes of Water Shortage:
- Below-Normal Rainfall: Karnataka received 18% less rainfall than normal last year, impacting water availability.
- Nature of Aquifers: South India’s rocky aquifers empty and recharge quickly, leading to swift depletion during dry spells.
- Karnataka’s reservoirs are at 26% capacity, lower than expected for this time of the year.
Long-term Structural Issues:
- Unregulated construction, destruction of lakes, and climate change contribute to water scarcity but are not immediate triggers for the current crisis.
- The focus has been on Bengaluru, but rural regions are likely experiencing greater water stress.
Why in News:
- Recently Bengaluru has been facing a water crisis, leading to significant shortages in various areas. According to the reports, 223 of the 236 talukas in Karnataka are affected by drought.