Save lakes to combat water shortage: Experts

Bangalore: The state government, in­stead of supplying water to Bangalore from Yetti­na­hole in Mangalore cutting through Western Ghats and Linganamakki Hydel reservoir, should focus on rejuvenating lakes and using treated and rainwater to combat water shortage in the city, said, said N. Mukund, a member of the Citizens’ Action Forum (CAF).

Participating at, Namma Kere (our lake), a workshop on lake development, he said the existing lakes across the city must be rejuvenated. “If the lakes are saved, water crisis in the city can easily be solved. Rainwater can be harvested and used for suitable purposes, while treated water can take care of non-drinking applications,” he said.

The response of the government and water board to water shortage in the city has been knee jerk and lackadaisical, he criticised. The BWSSB appointed a 12-member expert committee more than two years ago under the chairmanship of B.N. Tyag­a­rajan, ex-chairman of BW­S­SB. Though in its interim report, the committee suggested pumping water from Neth­r­avathi river at Yettinahole project, which would cost Rs 42,000 crore, the final report shifted focus to Linganamakki Hydel Reservoir, which has a capacity of 160 tmcft.

“It would be apt to tap rain water and reuse treated water. A citywide rainwater harvesting system should be implemented instead of asking individual households to install such systems,” he said.