Bengaluru: Recycle waste water to avert crisis, says experts

Bengaluru: The future demand of water cannot be met if wastewater is not recycled. As there is no proper source of water for Bengaluru, steps must be taken to recycle the wastewater, said S. Vishwanath, water expert and advisor Biome Environmental Trust. He said this during a panel discussion on ‘Bengaluru's water problems and solutions’ organised by Co Media Lab here on Saturday.

BWSSB must immediately plug water leakage, Vishwanath added. Around 16 TMC of sewage is generated in the city every year.

Rajya Sabha member M.V. Rajeev Gowda said, “Citizens involvement is needed to avert future water crisis. Like how people started shifting to solar water heater, they must proactively take up rainwater harvesting.” Farmers who use water in excess should be educated to shift to crops which consume less water, but yield the same income. This will reduce the burden on Cauvery, he said.

Namma Bengaluru Foundation CEO Sridhar Pabbisetty said, “There is a cap on the amount of water available for Bengaluru from Cauvery. Plans are on to bring water to city from Yettinahole project. Efficient water supply and treating the wastewater is the only solution.”