Comment Section for Water Crisis in India’s Silicon Valley - The New York Times

This New York Times article discusses the severe water crisis facing Bengaluru (also known as Bangalore), India's tech hub, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of South Asia. Despite receiving considerable rainfall, similar to Seattle, the city is struggling with water shortage due to poor governance and a lack of proper water management, which could not keep pace with the city's rapid population growth and urbanization. Tanker drivers supply water to various parts of the city, often from wells dug deep into the cityscape, but the demand far exceeds the supply. The city's aquifers have been depleted by the unchecked drilling of bore wells, and many are now dry. The state-run Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board's expenses for pumping water constitute 75% of its revenue, yet this only meets about half of the city's needs. Local schools and residents are feeling the impact, with limited access to clean water leading to health issues like typhoid fever. A lack of water is also affecting the operation of appliances and sanitation facilities. Experts argue that this is not a crisis of water availability but a state failure, exacerbated by a lack of imagination and a failure to modernize water management strategies. Suggestions for mitigating the crisis include reviving lakes to recharge aquifers, expanding rainwater harvesting, and implementing conservation efforts. Despite these challenges, some positive steps are being taken. For example, a formerly trash-strewn lake has been rejuvenated and now provides 200,000 liters of potable water per day, with plans to increase this to 600,000 liters. However, progress has been slow and the city is largely dependent on upcoming rains for short-term relief. The water crisis has raised public awareness and concern, which may provide an impetus for long-term change.