Double trouble: Bengaluru tackles heatwave amid water crisis
The soaring temperatures have compounded Bengaluru's challenges, exacerbating its existing struggle with severe water scarcity. On Sunday, Bengaluru recorded a temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius, the highest in eight years. Notably, the city is known for its pleasant weather. The the city is currently experiencing at least three degrees warmer temperatures than it does in April, reports said. This has forced residents to alter their daily routine. Several hospitals have opened a sunstroke ward as a preemptive measure.
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Bengaluru faces a daily deficit of 500 million liters, nearly a fifth of its total demand, with 6,900 out of 13,900 borewells dried up. This scarcity extends beyond Karnataka, affecting neighboring states like Telangana and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has predicted abnormal temperature rises nationwide, with heatwaves anticipated in April and May. Moreover, a recent study has warned that prolonged high-intensity heatwaves could notably escalate mortality rates in Indian urban areas—raising widespread concern.
Climate change and urbanization fuel temperature rise
Dr N Puviarasan, a weather scientist at the IMD, attributes the soaring temperatures to last year's insufficient rainfall from the northeast monsoon and rapid urbanization. "There was no rain in Bengaluru in the winter either, mainly due to climate change and El Nino conditions," he told the NDTV. This lack of rainfall has not only intensified the heat but also contributed to a critical water shortage in the city.
Water scarcity impacts Bengaluru's property market
Separately, the water crisis in Bengaluru is not only affecting daily life but also the city's property market. Prospective buyers are reconsidering their investments due to the ongoing situation. Despite this, an annual growth of 9% Year-over-year (YOY) in quarter 1 of 2024 was observed in residential sales volume. The regular water supply is now limited to those with piped water from rivers outside Bengaluru, as half of the city's borewells have dried up.
Government criticism and proposed solutions
The issue has also led to a political slugfest. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has criticized the Siddaramaiah government for discontinuing several irrigation and water-related projects. "It is very worrying...sad that the city suffers from water-related problems," she has said. In response to the crisis, Bengaluru's water supply board has proposed filling the city's dried lakes with treated wastewater to recharge borewells. Additionally, CM Siddaramaiah assured that they will supply water from Mysore's reservoirs once monsoons arrive in June.
