Karnataka is currently facing its most severe drought in decades, highlighting the pressing issue of water scarcity not only within the state but also on a global scale. With over 7,000 villages, 1,100 wards, and 220 talukas affected, various sectors including agriculture and technology are feeling the strain. India’s Silicon Valley, the technological hub, faces a crippling water shortage compelling the entire world to take water management earnestly.
Efforts to alleviate the crisis include discussions about the potential for tech workers to relocate, thereby reducing pressure on the city’s water resources. However, addressing the underlying causes of the issue requires a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the role of climate change. Changes in precipitation patterns, glacier melt, and worsening droughts due to climate change have transformed once-water-rich regions into landscapes plagued by sudden droughts, endangering ecosystems and livelihoods alike.
To effectively address the crisis, proactive measures at both individual and institutional levels are essential. Housing societies have begun imposing fines on residents to deter water misuse, but broader strategies are necessary. One such strategy is adopting Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which provides a holistic approach to balancing water demands and ensuring security. Utilizing technology, data-driven decision-making, and community involvement can optimize water usage and promote sustainable practices across sectors.
“In the last 30-40 years we had not seen such drought; though there was drought earlier we had never declared such a large number of taluks as drought-affected, so to control the situation, we have arranged for tankers to supply water. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) are making all efforts in this regard.”
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar said on Monday
Addressing the geopolitical dimension of water scarcity is also crucial, particularly in regions where tensions over shared river basins are high. Cooperation and fair water-sharing agreements are vital to prevent conflicts over increasingly scarce resources.
Furthermore, urban development must prioritize preserving natural water bodies over unchecked expansion. The current trend of urbanization in Bengaluru is causing the loss of important water resources, emphasizing the need for sustainable planning that preserves these vital assets.
“We have committed investments of more than 240 billion dollars in the water sector through government resources, in partnership with private innovators, start-ups, and water-user associations. India is implementing two flagship missions to ensure universal access to sanitation and drinking water.”
Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, delivering the national statement in the UN General Assembly.
What can be done
Here are some potential solutions that Karnataka and other regions facing similar water crises could implement:
- Investment in Water Infrastructure: Allocate resources to improve and expand water infrastructure, including reservoirs, pipelines, and treatment plants, to increase water storage capacity and ensure reliable access to clean water.
- Promotion of Water Conservation: Launch public awareness campaigns to promote water conservation practices such as rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation techniques, and the use of water-saving appliances in households and industries.
- Implementation of Water Recycling and Reuse: Implement wastewater treatment and recycling programs to reuse treated water for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater recharge, reducing the strain on freshwater sources.
- Support for Sustainable Agriculture: Provide incentives and support for farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that use water more efficiently, such as drip irrigation, crop rotation, and drought-resistant crop varieties.
- Enforcement of Water Management Policies: Strengthen regulations and enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegal extraction of groundwater, unauthorized water diversions, and pollution of water bodies, ensuring equitable distribution and sustainable use of water resources.
- Development of Climate-Resilient Strategies: Develop and implement climate-resilient water management strategies that consider the projected impacts of climate change, such as more frequent and intense droughts, by diversifying water sources, improving water storage and distribution systems, and enhancing adaptive capacity.
- Investment in Research and Innovation: Invest in research and innovation to develop new technologies and solutions for water management, such as desalination, water purification, and smart water monitoring systems, to address water scarcity challenges more effectively.
- Enhanced Transboundary Cooperation: Foster cooperation and collaboration among neighbouring states and countries sharing water resources to address shared challenges, resolve conflicts, and develop mutually beneficial solutions for sustainable water management.
In summary, Karnataka’s water crisis emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable water management practices. Through approaches like IWRM, cooperation on a transboundary level, and environmentally conscious urban planning, the state can mitigate the impacts of future droughts and ensure water security for its residents.
