DK Shivakumar Emphasizes Urgent Efforts Amid Bengaluru’s Deepening Water Crisis

Addressing the severe water crisis in Bengaluru, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emphasized the state’s urgent efforts, noting that even his home borewell had dried up. He stated, “All the borewells are dry, including the one at my house.” The state is actively identifying water sources, having examined 217 tunnels and facing over 3,000 dried borewells in Bangalore.

Expressing concern, Shivakumar attributed the water scarcity to the drying borewells and highlighted the need for assistance with the Mekedatu project from the central government. He stated, “I hope the central government will at least come to our rescue now to see the Mekedatu problem is solved.”

Last year, he identified the Mekedatu project as the key solution to the water-sharing dispute with neighboring states. The worsening crisis is causing locals to pay significantly higher prices for water tankers, with rates soaring from ₹500 to ₹2,000 for a 5,000-litre tanker.

Shivakumar assured efforts to provide water at reasonable rates and had warned water tanker owners about seizures if not registered by the March 7 deadline. He stated, “Of the total 3,500 water tankers in Bengaluru city, only 10%, or 219 tankers, have registered with the authorities. The government will seize them if they don’t register before the deadline.”

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that 223 out of the state’s 236 talukas are facing drought, with 219 severely affected.