Growing numbers may leave City dry

Growing numbers may leave City dry
Bangalore, DH News Service:
The population of Bangalore increases every year by an average of 1,91,300. At this rate, its total population would touch 10 million by 2021.

The BDA Master Plan estimates the population of Bangalore City would be 8.8 million by 2015.

However, the plan does not specify any programme to quench the thirst of increasing population.

According to the plan, the City’s population stands stands at six million. Of the 712 million litres per day (MLD) available for Bangaloreans, 30 per cent goes towards industrial needs.

The remaining 500 MLD is shared by six million people at the rate of 80 litres/person/day (lpcd). This, however, does not take into account the leakage of water.

Not sufficient
The population of Bangalore increases every year by an average of 1,91,300. At this rate, its total population would touch 10 million by 2021.

Apart from the ongoing Cauvery Stage IV, Phase II, the plan does not specify any project to provide water for the increasing population.

Recently, BWSSB objected to the setting up of SEZs around Bangalore saying it would be difficult for it to supply water to the new areas. Despite the board’s objection, the State cabinet approved the setting up of SEZ in Hoskote hobli.

A senior BWSSB engineer told Deccan Herald it is difficult for the board to supply water to all the new areas.

“The board is expecting 500 MLD of water through Cauvery Stage IV, Phase II, which would be completed by 2012.

But 500 MLD of water is not sufficient to provide water for the increasing population. We have written to the government seeking further allocation of water from Cauvery or other sources to take up more projects.

The government has set up a committee under the chairmanship of irrigation expert G S Paramashivaiah to find new sources of water,” he said.

Rainwater harvest
However, the plan does not hint at finding new sources to get water for Bangalore. Instead, it suggests judicious use of water.

The master plan says detection of leakage and rectification of distribution system would contribute a major amount of water towards tackling the crisis. It said the board should conduct public awareness programmes on rainwater harvesting and ensure every household adopts the technique.

REALITY CHECK

Population expected

In 2015: 8.8 million
In 2021: 10 million
Water available for Bangalore: 712 MLD
Additional water expected by 2012: 500 MLD