Bengaluru has long been heralded as a hub of innovation and progress. Yet, beneath its gleaming skyscrapers and bustling streets lies a hidden crisis: a severe shortage of water. With Bengaluru already suffering a water shortage, the IMD has predicted that maximum temperatures will continue above normal.
High Temperatures To Prevail
Karnataka will get 48 hours of mostly dry weather, according to the weather advisory released by IMD on March 15. Additionally, the weather service has forecast that the maximum temperature in a few locations throughout Interior Karnataka—Bagalkote, Dharwad, Gadag, Kalaburgi, Koppal, Bengaluru, Hassan, Kolar, Mandya, and Mysuru districts—is likely to be 2-3°C above normal.
In addition, IMD has forecasted that during the next three to four days, maximum temperatures in several other South Indian states will be higher than usual. The weather department reports that maximum temperatures are approximately 3–4°C over normal in certain areas of south Vidarbha, Telangana, Rayalaseema, and Tamil Nadu, and 1-3°C above normal in the remaining portions of Peninsular India. These temperatures are expected to stay the same over the next three to four days.
IMD also mentioned in its bulletin that Karaikal, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu will see hot, muggy weather.
Water Crisis Still Lurks
Moreover, Bengaluru is experiencing an unprecedented water crisis. Residents are trying every possible solution, from working from home to utilising public restrooms. Due to a lack of water, residents in certain neighbourhoods have been compelled to place restaurant orders and take baths every other day. Strict consumption limitations result from people having to rely on water tankers for necessities, even in high-rise residences with water harvesting systems. Restaurants are considering using disposable plates, glasses, and cups to reduce their water usage.
Locals have devised innovative techniques to attempt to conserve water. Some have resorted to going to a mall just to use the restrooms or showers. According to an article published by NDTV, sewage treatment plants handle recycled water, which is utilised for most non-drinking purposes. The main sources have reached their breaking point because there hasn’t been any rain in a while. Bengaluru requires 2,600–2,800 million litres of water every day, and half of that amount is being supplied. As a result, people living in the city struggle daily.
Along with a severe water crisis, the hot temperature in the city and nearby has become an urgent challenge.
Cover image credits: Canva