Drinking water problem: If rejuvenated, T G Halli reservoir can save Bengaluru city

BENGALURU: The Thippagondanahalli or T.G Halli reservoir was at one time a major source of drinking water for Bengalureans till it turned defunct in the year 2010. But it still has the potential to save Bengaluru during a crisis.

Water experts say BWSSB should do a recce and make the reservoir functional. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, former irrigation secretary and water expert Captain Raja Rao said: “The dependence on Cauvery water is increasing year after year as the population of Bengaluru is swelling. As the T.G. Halli reservoir can store upto 3.75 TMC feet of water, it will reduce the city’s water burden to an extent. It is crucial that we utilise all available water resources.”

“The BWSSB has all the necessary infrastructure at T.G. Halli. They have a pump house, a treatment plant and even old pipelines through which water was supplied earlier to northern and western parts of Bengaluru. They stopped the operation as the inflow to the reservoir reduced,” said, Raja Rao.

“Inflow to the T.G. Halli reservoir is mainly from the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers. Owing to encroachments and an increase in the number of apartment buildings and industries, the inflow reduced drastically. Additionally, as the industries release effluents, the water gets polluted,” he explained, saying that the BWSSB must take measures to rejuvenate the reservoir.

“The total capacity of the T.G. Halli reservoir is 3.75 TMC (74 feet). At present, the reservoir is half full. As the inflow to the reservoir is reduced we stop pumping water from the reservoir”, said BWSSB chief engineer Kemparamaiah.

On condition of anonymity, a BWSSB official said, “At present, water in the Cauvery dams are adequate until summer. Rains in the Cauvery catchment area are expected to increase the inflow to the Cauvery dams. As water in the T G Halli reservoir is polluted, treating and supplying them will be costly.”