The BWSSB doesn’t have the bandwidth to curtail borewell drilling.
Story so far: The city is witnessing a spike in illegal drilling of borewells. In 2019, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) refused permission to those digging borewells to cater to construction needs rather than the lack of water supply in the locality. However, the board has failed to enforce this.
- Rampant drilling could severely deplete the groundwater table. The BWSSB’s laxity might promote illegal drilling.
- People in neighbouring areas are running out of water. In Mahadevapura, where water used to be 900-1,200 feet below ground, it’s now below 1,700 feet.
Solutions: Civilians have devised a few ways to tackle the issue. Treated water could fulfil construction needs. People digging borewells could compensate for the groundwater by building recharge wells. It takes the responsibility off the BWSSB and shoulders it on residents.