'24: Year when B'luru faced severe water crisis and recurring floods

The capital city experienced a year of stark contrasts in 2024, oscillating between a severe water crisis and recurring floods.

- HT Correspondent

BENGALURU: The challenges tested the city's infrastructure and governance, prompting innovative measures and long-term planning, albeit with mixed results.

A severe water crisis loomed over Bengaluru during the summer, primarily affecting areas reliant on borewells and water tankers. The core zones served by the Cauvery river were relatively insulated, even as the city grappled with a protracted dispute over water-sharing with Tamil Nadu.

In response, Bengaluru's water board mandated the use of treated wastewater for major construction and industrial projects, with supply rising sharply from 60,000 litres to 6 million litres daily. However, after rains arrived, the demand halved to 3.5 million litres per day.