The water shortage in India worsens. Bengaluru, known as India’s Silicon Valley, is mostly affected by the water scarcity in the country.
This crisis impacts the city’s garment factories, doubles restaurant water bills, and causes unusual employee demands at global firms.
The city, with approximately 14 million residents and a hub for startups and international companies like Walmart and Google, experiences productivity declines as employees chase water tankers.
What Caused the Water Shortage
The shortage stems from inadequate southwest monsoon rains, failing to refill groundwater and the Cauvery River basin reservoirs. With summer starting, residents and businesses brace for worse conditions. Prices for daily water needs have nearly doubled, causing concern among local business leaders and prompting restaurants to adopt water-saving measures such as using disposable plates.
How Are They Adjusting
Major corporations like Microsoft and Walmart have implemented water conservation strategies, including tap aerators and recycling washroom water. Some employees, particularly those from water-scarce areas, prefer working in offices equipped to handle the crisis.
Manufacturing Sectors Affected
However, the situation extends beyond office measures. Bengaluru’s manufacturing sector struggles, with garment factories experiencing slowed production. The crisis escalates as water tank providers strike against government regulation, leading to a significant price hike for water tankers. The government’s attempt to cap prices and allocate funds for the crisis has been met with skepticism from industry leaders.
India’s struggle with water scarcity is not new, but the situation has worsened in recent years. Over half of the country’s rivers are now considered highly polluted, posing significant risks to public health and the environment. The Yamuna and Ganga rivers are among those most affected by pollution.
With 678 million people lacking access to safe sanitation, the economic and human cost is staggering. Water.org reports that the lack of clean water and sanitation facilities costs India’s economy billions each year, affecting productivity and public health. Businesses are forced to invest in expensive water purification systems or face shutdowns due to inadequate water supply.
The water shortage in India is clearly felt in Bengaluru. Here, people and businesses depend heavily on water tankers because of the water crisis. This crisis not only escalates costs for businesses and residents but also limits the water supply, reflecting the broader challenges that India faces in ensuring water security. Immediate actions and long-term strategies are imperative to address the water shortage in India and guarantee access to water for all.
Image Source: MIT Technology Review