ABOUT

Urban Waters – Bengaluru

Once known as the “City of Lakes”, Bengaluru has lost over 75% of its water bodies due to encroachment and urban sprawl. Today the city depends heavily on the Cauvery river, pumping water across 100 kms and 300 meters of elevation. This is an energy- and cost-intensive system, which fails to meet the demand. Over 85% of the city’s groundwater blocks are overexploited, with many relying on private borewells.

The city generates over 1,440 MLD of wastewater. Much of this flows untreated into lakes and stormwater drains. Policies mandate rainwater harvesting and promote decentralized wastewater treatment. However, implementation remains patchy. At the same time, Bengaluru offers inspiring community-led examples in lake restoration, RWH, and wastewater reuse. To secure its water future, the city needs to scale up these decentralized approaches and efforts.