Bengaluru: If the state government releases 3.5 TMCs of Cauvery water to the Tamil Nadu to protect its standing crop, the city residents would be the worst hit. According to the BWSSB officials in the absence of other alternatives, if KRS dam becomes empty the city would badly suffer.
Water rationing: Several officials who spoke to Deccan Chronicle warned the city may face acute drinking water shortage and they will have to take some drastic measures. "To ensure that we can supply water till June 2017, we need to start water rationing from November itself. The city's water requirement is 19 TMCs, but it is around 10 to 11 TMCs between November and June, as summer season falls during the period. There are no alternatives," he said.
"State government has allotted 20 TMC water to the city from KRS dam. But this year we are not sure that we will get this amount of water due to failed monsoon. If the state releases more water to TN, it will be a disaster," said another officer.
"Already farmers from Mandya, Mysuru and Chamarajnagar have been informed not to use Cauvery water for agricultural purposes. So they have already lost a year. But the new ruling could affect the requirements of the Bengaluru city," he added.
BWSSB officials warn that if KRS dam goes empty they will be left with no alternative. "It is the only one source of drinking water to the city. Water available in the city lakes is unfit even for industrial use. In such a situation we don't have any other option," said a senior officer.
Way forward: Officials claim BWSSB has already banned use of drinking water for the commercial and non-domestic purposes such as car wash and gardening but it is rarely followed. "Around 90% of the city residents have not implemented the mandatory rain water harvesting order. This is expected to escalate the problem," an official said.
"Stringent action will be taken against those using drinking water for non-domestic purposes if the city faces any water shortage," he added.
No more borewells
The state government has already imposed a ban on the private borewells in the Bengaluru city, citing depletion of ground water table. No new permissions are being sanctioned.
Requirement for other cities (In TMC)
Mysuru 3
Mandya, Ramanagara, Chamarajanagar 3
Evaporation Around 2.5
Rural water supply 1
Police step up security following SC direction
The city police on Friday stepped up security after the Supreme Court directed the state to release 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu till from October 1-6.
After the apex court issued the direction, the city police mobilised forces and made heavy police deployment in sensitive areas, especially north, west and southern parts of Bengaluru, as these parts witnessed violent protests on September 12.
The city police and paramilitary forces camped in the city conducted flag march in Halasuru, Ashoknagar, Marathahalli, Sanjana Nagar, Manjunatha Nagar, Ashwath Nagar and other areas.
