From tech capital to water resilient model

Bangalore city faces a critical choice between ongoing water scarcity and sustainable management solutions. Implementing innovation and learning from successful global examples could turn Bengaluru into a leading model for water resilience.

Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, is grappling with a severe water crisis threatening its vibrant economy and daily life. The city is at a crossroads, facing a stark choice: either continue to suffer from water scarcity or take bold steps towards sustainable water management. With its innovative spirit and potential for problem-solving, Bengaluru can reshape its water future by adopting advanced technologies and learning from successful examples.

The city’s water woes are severe. Freshwater resources are dwindling due to rapid population growth, stagnant infrastructure, and environmental degradation. Bengaluru’s population surged by 76 percent over the past decade, yet its water infrastructure still needs to catch up. The city’s lakes, once vital water sources, have diminished by 79 percent due to pollution and encroachment. Daily water consumption is a staggering 2,832 million litres, with the Cauvery River supplying only 1,460 million litres. Over-reliance on groundwater has deteriorated water quality and threatened the city’s future water supplies.

The crisis has disrupted daily life and business operations, impacting tech giants crucial to the city’s economy. Bengaluru produces 1.48 billion litres of wastewater daily, but outdated sewage treatment facilities must handle this volume, resulting in significant waste of potentially reusable water.

In contrast, other cities like Mumbai have made strides in water management. Mumbai utilises advanced water treatment technologies and practices, including membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology and mobile treatment plants. These technologies have notably improved water availability, such as in Chembur, where Veolia’s advanced STP technology provides a reliable water supply to 30,000 families. Similarly, cities like Singapore and Vietnam employ tech-driven systems to minimise water leaks and ensure efficient use.

Bengaluru needs a comprehensive overhaul of its water management system. Embracing smarter planning and modernisation is crucial. The city should adopt technologies like IoT for leak detection and advanced treatment plants to convert wastewater into a resource for irrigation and other non-potable uses. Portable treatment units can also clean lakes and ponds, preserving fresh water for essential uses.

Corporate responsibility plays a critical role in addressing Bengaluru’s water crisis. Initiatives like the Infosys Foundation’s Hebbal Lake restoration demonstrate the positive impact of corporate involvement. Industries should be incentivised to use treated wastewater, freeing up fresh water for drinking purposes. Government incentives, such as tax rebates and subsidies, could further encourage this shift.

Experts emphasise the importance of adopting technologies that enable the reuse of treated wastewater. Sharad Tandon from Tandon Urban Solutions highlights that MBR-based STPs can produce water suitable for various uses and potentially for human consumption with additional treatment. Veolia’s expertise, including its Water Impact Index (WIIX), can guide municipalities in making informed water management and sustainability decisions.

As Bengaluru faces its water crisis, decisive action is essential. The city must leverage its technological prowess and adopt successful strategies from other regions to secure a sustainable water future. With strong leadership and innovative solutions, Bengaluru can overcome its water challenges and set a global example for water resilience.

For more details ,Visit: https://www.veolia.com/en

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