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If you step out into <keyword id="19895037" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="bengaluru" source="keywords">Bengaluru</keyword> traffic these days, there’s a good chance you’ll discover a bulky water tanker spearheading the all-too-familiar clog in traffic. Amidst the ongoing <keyword id="6355836" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-crisis" source="Orion">water crisis</keyword>, India’s Silicon City has mobilised thousands of tankers that zip, almost heroically, across the city, rescuing parched residences from the metro’s urban planning crisis. Bidding to reduce their reliance on the exorb<keyword id="6354185" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="it" source="Orion">it</keyword>ant tankers — a necessary step after the exhaustion of half the city’s groundwater-fed borewells — many residential societies have begun innovating water-saving techniques, with varying degrees of success. However, for the several businesses and industries littering the metropolitan town, it seems like dark days are looming. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="IT in turmoil" comment="subhead" text="IT in turmoil">IT in turmoil</cmsannotation> Hosting over 1,400 tech companies that employ tens of lakhs of employees, Bengaluru has certainly earned its title as India’s ‘Silicon Valley’. Not only has this driven a rapid boom in economic, infrastructural and industrial development, the city has acted as a magnet for people looking for attractive employment opportunities. Unfortunately, this success has also resulted in <a href="https://bpac.in/bangalore-population-growth-consequences-and-possible-solutions/" data-type="tilCustomLink">population levels haphazardly spiking</a> from 2,900 people per square kilometre in 2001 to 4,300 within a single decade. Estimates suggest that this figure may have breached 8,000 by now! In addition to deterring water-cooler conversations, the lack of water in their workplaces have led to several companies already urging employees to work from home. Echoing a growing sentiment among the city’s techies, <a href="https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/it-companies-in-bengaluru-urged-to-give-15-lakh-employees-wfh-option-as-city-grapples-with-water-crisis/articleshow/108761390.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">ex-Chief Justice K Sreedhar Rao also pleaded</a> for temporary remote arrangements for migrant IT workers to depopulate Bengaluru till the water crisis is dealt with. However, many such multinational employees have already begun to preemptively take matters into their own hands by temporarily or permanently moving to other cities, such as the nearby Mysuru. Needless to say, this has disrupted operations for many companies, including some of the top IT firms in Bengaluru. In a surprising turn of tragic events, senior personnel at <keyword id="19969515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dell" source="keywords">Dell</keyword> have begun skipping meetings to prioritise their procurement of water, reported the Deccan Herald. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Real estate rates to fall; restaurants forced to adapt" comment="subhead" text="Real estate rates to fall; restaurants forced to adapt"><keyword id="6354553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="real-estate" source="Orion">Real estate</keyword> rates to fall; restaurants forced to adapt</cmsannotation> With pleasant weather the year round, Bengaluru has proven itself time and again as an excellent place to settle down and relax. The city’s diverse population is a testament to its uncanny ability to draw people from all over India, even before the city’s notable IT boom. Real estate has now hit an all-time high, with high demand and attractive financial options helping the sector grow exponentially in the past few decades, reportedly recording a staggering nine-year-high 54,000 housing units sold in 2023. However, the city’s recent water woes have left potential property investors second-guessing. According to a recent Deccan Herald poll, around 60% of the respondents noted that they have postponed their move to Bengaluru due to the ongoing shortage, while a similar number of people have also begun evaluating investment options in other cities. Homebuyers have also begun to diligently inquire into <keyword id="55273" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="groundwater" source="Orion">groundwater</keyword> borewell depths and water-saving technologies when consulting developers. While <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/business/bengaluru-water-crisis-alarms-property-investors-dh-poll-2930539" data-type="tilCustomLink">many contractors remain firm</a> that these reactions are not representative of a long-term trend, some experts have predicted that a fall in property prices may become inevitable. A <a href="https://www.republicworld.com/business/real-estate/bengaluru-water-crisis-property-prices-in-peenya-hsr-layout-marathahalli-to-fall-15-say-experts/" data-type="tilCustomLink">Republic report</a> explains that house rates could fall up to 10-15% in the most water-stressed regions of East and Central Bengaluru, including HSR Layout, Marathahalli, Rajaji Nagar and Peenya. Needless to say, the crisis has also taken a toll on Bengaluru’s various hotels and eateries, many of which are severely dependent on tanker water for cooking, cleaning and drinking purposes. Krishna Raj, owner of the popular <keyword id="21126683" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nisarg-grand-hotel" source="keywords">Nisarg Grand Hotel</keyword>, <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/bengaluru-water-crisis-news-hotels-disposable-utensils-shortage-lok-sabha-polls-karnataka-dk-shivakumar-congress-bjp-11710055127680.html" data-type="tilCustomLink">explained</a> that they might have to begin serving food in disposable utensils if the trend continues into the summer months. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Industrial district parched" comment="subhead" text="Industrial district parched">Industrial district parched</cmsannotation> Located in Northwest Bengaluru, Peenya is home to thousands of industries of varying sizes, producing a host of electronics, textiles, packaging, machines and other consumer items. However, being one of the largest industrial areas in Asia hasn’t protected its businesses from the ongoing crisis. In an <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/bengaluru-water-crisis-to-impact-local-industries-in-coming-weeks-experts-124030601026_1.html" data-type="tilCustomLink">interview with Business Standard</a>, <keyword id="21126682" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="peenya-industries-association" source="keywords">Peenya Industries Association</keyword> President H. M. Arif explained that the area’s micro-industries are strained to the point that many could be forced to close soon if the water crisis continues unmitigated. Many such sectors have also become hopelessly reliant on tanker water, and the associated rising costs have begun to bottleneck the manufacturing process. Prices of several commercial products could go up soon if this trend continues. “Many from the hosiery or garment sector need water for processing,” Arif explains. “You need water for workers as well as other needs. The government is saying it will source recycled water for the industry. But for that, there is a tendering process and at this rate, we will not get water this season.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Solutions and cautious optimism" comment="subhead" text="Solutions and cautious optimism">Solutions and cautious optimism</cmsannotation> This is not to say that the government isn’t taking measures to tackle the crisis. After ordaining centralised control over water tankers and actively regulating prices to ensure the city’s water isn’t hoarded solely by the rich, officials also placed bans on recreational water use. In addition, initiatives are underway to “inject” 1,300 million litres of purified water into the city’s drying lakes per day, which the officials allege will help restore local groundwater levels. <keyword id="19927086" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bwssb" source="keywords">BWSSB</keyword> has also announced plans to build an array of next-gen water treatment plants near restored lake beds to purify and deliver water wherever required. Addressing the harsh summers ahead, Karnataka government officials have expressed optimism that the completion of the Cauvery Five — a massive array of treatment plants that will treat sewage to produce 100 million litres of water a day — will help make up for any deficits by July. Meanwhile, many large corporations, including Microsoft, have begun utilising water-saving tap aerators to control water flow in the Bagmane Business Park offices. The city’s water board, the BWSSB, has also launched four mobile apps to help tackle the city’s water crisis. Attempting to bridge a gap between the water department and the citizens it serves, these apps will help residents book water online, apply for borewell permissions, report water misuse and more. At 24% of its total capacity, reservoirs across Karnataka are also drying up. Despite growing shortages, the state government has assured that the Cauvery River reservoir that supplies water to Bengaluru holds sufficient water levels to last at least until June. After that, the pre-monsoon and monsoon rains are expected to replenish the water resources. However, the supply remains much lower compared to the demand, and the only way to survive this summer could be to adopt drastic water-saving measures and a few good spells of pre-monsoon showers.

Water crisis affects businesses across Bengaluru; Is there room for cautious optimism?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Scientists predicted how climate hazards will worsen in nearly 1,000 major cities by 2100.</li><li>Heat waves, energy demand, and mosquito-borne diseases will spike as global temperatures rise.</li></ul>Monthlong heat waves. Skyrocketing energy demand. Greater risks of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/west-nile-triple-e-mosquito-virus-diseases-us-2024-9">mosquito-borne diseases</a>.These are the climate hazards that people living in nearly 1,000 of the world's largest cities will continue to face as global average temperatures rise through the end of the century, a new analysis by the World Resources Institute, an environmental-research group, found. And the impacts won't be felt equally. People living in low-income cities in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Indonesia face the greatest threats.The findings come as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/copernicus-summer-2024-hottest-record-globally-and-europe">2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record</a>, and billions of people are expected to move into urban areas in the coming decades. More than half the world's population, or 4.4 billion people, lives in cities. By 2050, city dwellers are forecast to make up two-thirds of humanity, with the vast majority of that growth in Africa and Asia. Some 2 billion people currently live in the cities that WRI studied, from Seattle and Rio de Janeiro to Johannesburg and Bengaluru, India."Most climate modeling looks at hazards, exposure, and risks at a national scale because that's where a lot of policymaking and international agreements are focused," Eric Mackres, the senior manager of data and tools at the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities and a coauthor of the study, said. "But that's disconnected from where people live. We wanted to put more localized information in the hands of those decision-makers so they're informed about the risks that they are likely to experience."<h2 id="c108ac2f-66b9-4462-bb7a-b51785a2b482">Local climate hazards</h2>To make predictions at a city level, Mackres said WRI built on global climate modeling done by hundreds of other researchers. These models contain daily information — both historical data and projections through 2100 — on air temperature, humidity, and precipitation. WRI used that data to make its own projections about the length and frequency of heat waves, how often people will need to cool their homes and workplaces, and the number of days with optimal temperatures for mosquitoes in cities with at least half a million people. WRI compared how those local hazards are expected to change as global average temperatures rise from 1.5 degrees Celsius to 3 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels — a threshold scientists say the world is likely to cross by 2100.The world has warmed by about 1.2 degrees so far compared with mid-1800s levels, and the consequences are playing out around the world.<div type="image" title="A graph shows how long heat waves will last in seven regions around the world under 1.5 degrees of global warming compared to preindustrial levels." height="1080" width="1080" msid="113493288" hostid="261" sizebytes="66672"></div>In Bengaluru, India's fifth-most-populous city, extreme heat has caused severe water shortages and surging energy demand. Under 1.5 degrees of warming, heat waves could last about 13 days on average and stretch to nearly 38 days as global temperatures rise, WRI found. Bengaluru last year <a target="_blank" href="https://wri-india.org/news/release-bengalurus-first-ever-climate-action-plan-launched">launched its first climate-action plan</a>, which includes planting trees and expanding green spaces to help cool down urban centers.An enormous outbreak of dengue fever is underway in Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, peak days for transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses could increase from 69 to 118 a year, WRI found. The city is investing in vaccines, and community health workers are hunting down places that help mosquitoes breed, including standing water, to reduce risks.Meanwhile, places that haven't had to consider cooling strategies are now being forced to, including the US Pacific Northwest. Seattle was once the least-air-conditioned city. Now it ranks second behind San Francisco after a series of deadly heat waves prompted residents to install AC. The trend is playing out in cities that are already hot, too, like Tehran, Iran, and Marrakech, Morocco, and spiking energy demand along the way. If that demand is met with fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal, it could exacerbate the climate crisis, WRI said.WRI noted that there are limitations to its research, in part because there are a lot of unknowns about the future. National governments and cities can slow the climate crisis and protect people from its impacts, including by shifting away from fossil fuels and investing in infrastructure that's more resilient to heat and storms."Our findings are not a foregone conclusion," Mackres said. "These are choices we have between 1.5 and 3 degrees of warming, and none are out of the realm of possibility. It's really important that national decision-makers understand the impacts on cities and the actions that cities can take to both reduce climate change and to adapt to what's coming."<a target="_blank" href="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/19141193/">You can explore the data for your city here.</a>

A new tool shows what the climate crisis could feel like in your city

<keyword id="19895037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru" source="keywords">Bengaluru</keyword>, Karnataka’s bustling capital, is currently witnessing a worrying surge in dengue fever cases, sending waves of concern across its populace. In just 20 days, the city has recorded an alarming 1,000 cases, highlighting a drastic surge compared to previous years. Alongside dengue, there has been a notable uptick in viral fever cases, further straining local healthcare resources. Experts point to the unusual weather conditions as a key culprit. The lack of rain and unexpected cold winds have created a breeding ground for mosquitoes, the carriers of dengue. Additionally, BBMP's increased vigilance with fever surveys has led to more detections, contributing to the higher case numbers. Chief Health Officer Dr. Syed Madani emphasised the proactive stance of the health department, noting a quadrupling in checks compared to previous years. In the first half of 2024 alone, Bengaluru has already reported nearly 5,000 dengue cases, significantly surpassing last year’s figures for the same period. Most of the surge came after May this year. The eastern and Mahadevpura zones of Bengaluru have been hit the hardest by dengue, with construction work creating stagnant water – a perfect haven for mosquitoes. The southern zone, meanwhile, is grappling with chikungunya, another mosquito-borne illness. The health department is pulling out all the stops to combat the outbreak. Fogging drives are underway to kill mosquito larvae, and public awareness campaigns are educating residents on preventing water stagnation around their homes. Continuous fever surveys are also being conducted to identify potential cases early on. The severity of the outbreak hit close to home when Chief Civic Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath tested positive for dengue. Despite the setback, Nath is expected to resume his duties shortly, underscoring the personal toll of the city's health crisis. In response to mounting cases, <keyword id="19909918" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chief-Minister-Siddaramaiah" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Chief Minister Siddaramaiah" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Chief Minister Siddaramaiah">Chief Minister Siddaramaiah</keyword> has convened high-level meetings with BBMP officials and health authorities to strategize further containment efforts. With June alone witnessing 1,036 reported cases, Bengaluru braces for potentially higher numbers during the monsoon season, traditionally conducive to mosquito proliferation. However, BBMP officials are confident that their preventative measures, including extensive surveillance, fever detection, and source reduction activities, will help control the situation.

Bengaluru on dengue alert: City reports over 1,000 cases in 20 days; BBPM Chief falls prey to disease

<ul><li>Karnataka state government is working on a proposal to ban construction activity in Bengaluru for next five years to deal with water crisis problem. </li><li>Bengaluru has emerged as a hotbed for real estate construction activity in recent years, with consumer demand reaching new levels, and home sales reaching 80% high as compared to 2017. </li><li>The proposal will lead to massive job crisis and inflation in real estate market and is also not sure of helping with <keyword id="68552" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-scarcity">water scarcity</keyword> as there is no water storage facility. </li></ul>The state of Karnataka has come up with its own plan to fight the problem of water crisis. It is contemplating a ban on apartment construction in Bengaluru, for the next five years. The city was once known for its beautiful gardens, many lakes and ample groundwater resources. However, tech and BPO boom which brought in population and scramble for space, has pushed builders to take over lakes, fill them up and construction over them. Added to that, the government is <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/no-construction-of-apartments-in-bengaluru-for-next-5-yrs-due-to-water-shortage-1561649591527.html">also worried </a>that new apartments might not have basic amenities like water. Unclear ban This move could place a spoke in the wheel for the real estate market in Bengaluru which has just started to recover. After being stranded with unsold homes for the last four years, the market has started showing signs of growth. In the first quarter of 2019, its homes sales went up by 80%, from 2017, according to <keyword id="4695692" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ANAROCK-Property-Consultants">ANAROCK Property Consultants</keyword>. Lack of clarity regarding the ban is also worrying investors and home buyers alike. The proposal does not specify if it will include new construction activity or will also be applicable to projects under construction projects as well. Eitherways, the effects will not bode well for the sector. “Builders sitting on ready inventory will immediately increase the property prices of these homes by at least 10-15%. This will keep inflating over the years of the ban. However, homebuyers with new ready properties whose prices remained stagnant over the last 2-3 years may have a reason to cheer this move, as finally the values of their property will rise,” says <keyword id="6420759" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Anuj-Puri">Anuj Puri</keyword>, Chairman, ANAROCK Property Consultants. The step will be a big blow to the millions of labourers working in the city’s real estate market. Labour from various states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal work in the city. “This will further contribute to ever increasing job crisis in the country,” Puri says.

Bengaluru’s water crisis might make it an expensive real estate market

<ul><li>Hyderabad may not have drinking water in the next 48 days. </li><li>A sluggish monsoon that brought little rainfall in Telangana state, has put Hyderabad at the brink of a <keyword id="6355836" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-crisis">water crisis</keyword>. </li><li>It could affect its 6.8 million residents. </li></ul>India’s worst ever water crisis might cripple the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad — in the next 48 days. A sluggish monsoon that brought little rainfall in Telangana state, has put its capital — Hyderabad— at the brink of a water crisis. And, it could affect its 6.8 million residents. Since July 1, Hyderabad district witnessed 115.1 mm of rainfall. But it is 29% lower than its normal rainfall,<a href="https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/water-crisis-looming-over-hyderabad-telanganas-reservoirs-run-dry-105433"> said Telangana State Development Planning Society. </a> “If monsoon plays truant, there is every likelihood of Hyderabad facing water crisis from the second week of September,” said an official to Times Of India. This will be the second city that will be in trouble after Chennai ran out of water, forcing its government to bring in water using train wagons. All the four reservoirs of Chennai ran dry, leaving its residents scrambling for<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/five-years-on-india-may-not-even-get-a-chance-to-solve-its-on-going-water-crisis-risking-hundreds-of-millions-of-lives/articleshow/69988627.cms"> water to drink.</a> Drying Reservoirs There are two primary sources of water in Hyderabad — the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir (River Krishna) and the Yellampalli reservoir (River Godavari). Water levels at both these reservoirs are dangerously low, spreading fears of an acute water crisis. In spite of the rains, there isn’t any fresh water from any of the sources including the twin reservoirs of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar. The state authorities are hoping that rainfall in the next two-three weeks can restore the situation back to normal. In case the water level doesn’t rise, the state authorities will have to prepare an emergency action plan that involves pumping out water from reservoirs. Nation-wide crisis The government think tank NITI Aayog believes that 21 of the country’s major cities will be devoid of groundwater by 2020, affecting 100 million people. It named New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad in its list. Water has been a cause for stress in the country. While most cities are in want of water, others are facing an excess. <a href="https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/heavy-rain-and-floods-in-indias-assam-kill-10-displace-more-than-1m-1.65208377">Floods in Assam </a>have displaced a million people, and killed eleven as the state continues to face problems. Experts are calling for privatising water supply as a cost-effective measure that can bring in efficiencies into water management. “Mumbai loses 25% of its water to leakage and theft. Similarly, 37% of the water leaks out of Bangalore’s pipelines. Politicians and bureaucrats receive water in their own homes, and receive their salaries regardless of how poorly they perform their duties. Not surprisingly, they see no need to improve. <a href="https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3012374/indias-worst-ever-water-shortage-and-corruption-surrounding-it-can">an economist wrote in the South China Morning Post</a>.” See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-first-special-train-carrying-more-than-2-million-litre-of-water-reaches-chennai/articleshow/70192058.cms">The first special train carries 2 million litres of water to Chennai — but the quick fix might not solve its problems</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/five-years-on-india-may-not-even-get-a-chance-to-solve-its-on-going-water-crisis-risking-hundreds-of-millions-of-lives/articleshow/69988627.cms">Five years on, India may not even get a chance to solve its on-going water crisis risking hundreds of millions of lives</a>

India’s water crisis deepens as Hyderabad might run out of water, like Chennai

<ul><li>
As many as 100 million people in the country are suffering from the nation-wide water crisis. </li><li>Moreover, 21 major cities are expected to be devoid of groundwater by 2020, says government think tank NITI Aayog. </li></ul> No drops, No rain, nothing. India is suffering from its worst-ever water crisis in history. It has already started affecting hundreds and millions of lives and livelihoods across the country. And, people are craving for water to drink as well. “How will three pots of water be sufficient for an entire family of five,” asks a resident of Chennai — India’s sixth largest city — which ran out of water after all four reservoirs dried up this summer. 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="Chennai: People rush to fill their vessels from a water tanker following acute w..." msid="69988629" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;People rush to fill their vessels from a water tanker following acute water shortage, in Chennai.Photo)(&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>








 A large number of people are now washing utensils in dirty water, to save the clean water for cooking and drinking. There won’t be any relief anytime soon as the southwest monsoon — accounting 80% of India’s rainfall — is late and is expected to be <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/monsoon-to-be-below-normal-over-north-south-india-imd/articleshow/69602283.cms">lower than usual</a> in both north and south India. As many as 100 million people in the country are suffering from the nation-wide water crisis. Moreover, 21 major cities are expected to be devoid of groundwater by 2020, says government think tank NITI Aayog Only some parts of the country have received rainfall — that too almost a week late. Apart from the water crisis, the harsh heatwaves in the country took more than <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/22/india/chennai-india-water-crisis-intl/index.html">137 lives </a>. India’s dwindling water sources worsened the situation. <a href="http://202.159.215.252:83/DocumentUploadRoot/DocumentId_32837/20.06.2019_CWC_Bull.pdf">According to the Central Water Commission</a>, two-thirds water reservoirs in the country are below normal levels. Little Water, No Water — Current status of crisis across the country 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="Women fetch water from an opening made by residents at a dried-up lake in Chennai" msid="69988642" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Women fetch water from an opening made by residents at a dried-up lake in Chennai, India, June 11, 2019. REUTERS/P. Ravikumar TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>









 On 2 June 2019, a video of women filling bucket from the water leaked by a water tanker over the road went viral on social media, reported India spend. More than 100 districts across the country are officially affected by drought. Most of the districts (80%) in Karnataka and Maharashtra (72%) are hit by drought and crop failure. As many as 8.2 million farmers are struggling for livelihood. With scarcity comes strife. The state governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra — are now fighting over sharing water resources. Every day, Maharashtra government is sending 6,000 water tankers to 4,920 villages and 10,506 hamlets or settlements (bastis) in drought-hit areas. In the South, the Tamil Nadu government had to sanction Rs 233 crore to initiate emergency water projects. The state capital — Chennai— had to shut down the air conditioning to save as much as 9,000 litres a day. People have to stand in line for hours and they get foul-smelling water that might have been mixed with sewage. Karnataka too was forced to shut schools for a week due to water scarcity. Separately, residents of Bhilwara in Rajasthan have to keep water ‘locked’ in tankers since they depend on drinking water that is supplied once in 10 days. They are worried that it might be stolen! No groundwater by 2020 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="India Water Shortage" msid="69988668" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Indiand stand in queues to fill vessels filled with drinking water from a water tanker in Chennai, capital of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Millions of people are turning to water tank trucks in the state as house and hotel taps run dry in an acute water shortage caused by drying lakes and depleted groundwater. Some private companies have asked employees to work from home and several restaurants are closing early and even considering stopping lunch meals if the water scarcity aggravates.Photo/R. Parthibhan)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>









AP New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad are amongst the 21 cities that will run out of groundwater by 2020. This will affect as many as 100 million people, claims a report by NITI Ayog. Furthermore, 40% of India’s population will struggle for drinking water by 2030. With India’s water crisis deepening by the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently created Ministry of Jal Shakti that is going to look after the water resource management. Modi also reiterated his promise to provide piped water to every rural house in India by 2024. However, analysts have claimed that won’t be enough. A UN Human rights report claimed that soon only wealthy people in the world would be able to afford basic necessities in case of a drought, heatwave or famine. Falling rainfall levels in India 
 
 
 
 <div type="image" title="Chennai: School students offer prayers to rain god seeking rainfall following th..." msid="69988705" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;School students offer prayers to rain god seeking rainfall following the severe water crisis, in Chennai.Photo) (&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>










 The Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) reported that 43.4% areas in the country are under drought as of 30 May 2019. A delayed monsoon is among the primary reasons for the current crisis. In the last five years, 2017 was the only year when India did not experience drought, reported India spend. Both South west monsoon and North-east monsoon were lower than usual. Last year, India Meteorological Department said that the ‘post-monsoon’ rainfall — responsible for 10-20% of the India’s monsoon — was lower by 44%. And the pre-monsoon rainfall was the lowest it saw in the last 65 years. Experts fear that India is soon going to witness Day Zero if no action is taken on time.

Five years on, India may not even get a chance to solve its on-going water crisis risking hundreds of millions of lives

<ul><li>Finance Minister of India, <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> reiterated the need for sustainable water management system in India. </li></ul><ul><li>The government has already identified 1592 block in 256 districts which are facing water crisis and is planning to infuse additional funds. </li></ul><ul><li>India is suffering from its worst-ever water crisis in history. </li></ul>Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the need for sustainable water management system in India. She said, Constitution of Jal Shakti Mantralaya was a big step in water management-- the ministry will look at water-related issues in a holistic manner and will ensure water supply in every household by 2024. The government has already identified 1592 block in 256 districts which are facing water crisis and is planning to infuse additional funds. India is suffering from its worst-ever water crisis in history. It has already started affecting hundreds and millions of lives and livelihoods across the country. A large number of people are now washing utensils in dirty water, to save the clean water for cooking and drinking. There won’t be any relief anytime soon as the southwest monsoon — accounting 80% of India’s rainfall — is late and is expected to be <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/monsoon-to-be-below-normal-over-north-south-india-imd/articleshow/69602283.cms">lower than usual</a> in both north and south India. As many as 100 million people in the country are suffering from the nation-wide water crisis. Moreover, 21 major cities are expected to be devoid of groundwater by 2020, says government think tank NITI Aayog Only some parts of the country have received rainfall — that too almost a week late. Apart from the water crisis, the harsh heatwaves in the country took more than <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/22/india/chennai-india-water-crisis-intl/index.html">137 lives </a>. India’s dwindling water sources worsened the situation. <a href="http://202.159.215.252:83/DocumentUploadRoot/DocumentId_32837/20.06.2019_CWC_Bull.pdf">According to the Central Water Commission</a>, two-thirds water reservoirs in the country are below normal levels. More than 100 districts across the country are officially affected by drought. Most of the districts (80%) in Karnataka and Maharashtra (72%) are hit by drought and crop failure. As many as 8.2 million farmers are struggling for livelihood. With scarcity comes strife. The state governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra — are now fighting over sharing water resources. Not only this, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad are amongst the 21 cities that will run out of groundwater by 2020. This will affect as many as 100 million people, claims a report by NITI Ayog. Furthermore, 40% of India’s population will struggle for drinking water by 2030. With India’s water crisis deepening by the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently created Ministry of Jal Shakti that is going to look after the water resource management. Modi also reiterated his promise to provide piped water to every rural house in India by 2024. The Drought Early Warning System (DEWS) reported that 43.4% areas in the country are under drought as of 30 May 2019. A delayed monsoon is among the primary reasons for the current crisis.

Every household in India will get water supply by 2024 under the ‘Jal-Jeevan Mission’ says Nirmala Sitharaman

<ul><li>BS Yediyurappa was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka in the last week of July.</li><li>However, three weeks later, the cabinet of ministers have still not been appointed.</li><li>Reports suggest that the state government is waiting for approvals from the Bharatiya Janata Party, particularly Union Home Minister <keyword id="6355521" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="amit-shah">Amit Shah</keyword>.</li></ul>Karnataka is home to Bengaluru, which proudly calls itself India's Silicon Valley for being home to some of India's most popular startups as well as for grooming the country's technology industry into the force that it is today. The state witnessed one of the most dramatic, and dirty, political power play in the last few months which ended with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/h-d-kumaraswamy-government-loses-trust-vote/articleshow/70349719.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">the fall of an incumbent government</a>, and BS Yediyurappa reclaiming the Chief Minister's seat after winning controversial a trust vote. Yediyurappa even changed the way his name is spelled for good luck. The stakes were too high. Three weeks later, the state still has no ministers. "If Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa receives the list of names by Monday night or early Tuesday from Shah, the cabinet will be expanded same afternoon after a meeting of the BJP legislature party at the secretariat before noon," the news agency IANS reported citing sources. The party's high command was busy with the Parliament session including the contentious move to put an end to Jammu and Kashmir's special status. Notwithstanding the economic slump and rising job losses, three weeks is a long time for the legislature to be in a limbo, particularly, when the state has been struck with an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/floods-kill-140-in-maharashtra-kerala-and-karnataka-and-there-is-no-end-in-sight/articleshow/70644541.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">environmental emergency-- floods that killed about 140 people</a> as of August 12. However, Yediyurappa's patience has given many of his rivals ammunition for criticism. Critics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have often slammed the party's leadership for keeping decisions centralised. In this instance too, BS Yediyurappa may be a local strongman who battled hard to form the government but he has had to wait for the approval for his nominees from the Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Even now, only about a dozen ministers are likely to be appointed this week. To fill the remaining cabinet posts in the 34-member ministry, Yediyurappa is likely to wait for 6 months in the event of by-elections to the 17 assembly segments from where the Congress and JD-S rebel legislators were disqualified by the previous speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar in July. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/rip-vg-siddharthas-death-and-why-former-prime-minister-hd-deve-gowda-cried/articleshow/70464431.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">A former Prime Minister cried on national TV for VG Siddhartha-- the untold tales of politics and privilege may die with India’s coffee baron</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/karnataka-government-proposes-construction-ban-in-bengaluru-for-the-next-five-years-because-water-crisis/articleshow/69991514.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Bengaluru’s water crisis might make it an expensive real estate market</a>

The state home to India's Silicon Valley may finally get its new ministers-- 3 weeks after government was formed

<ul><li>Evocus — the country’s first <keyword id="7978683" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="black-alkaline-water">black alkaline water</keyword> — has been launched in the national capital region today. </li><li>The <keyword id="8223998" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="nutrient-water">nutrient water</keyword> bottle is priced at ₹100 and is presently available across 24Seven and Food Hall. </li><li>The Company aims to sell upto 5 million bottles in the first year.</li></ul>Evocus — the country’s first black alkaline water — was launched in the national capital today. The nutrient water bottle is priced at ₹100, is manufactured by AV Organics, a startup based out of Gujarat. The product is presently available across 24Seven and Food Hall. The Company aims to sell upto 5 million bottles in the first year. Before its Delhi launch, the company launched the product in Pune, Chandigarh and Vadodara. It is slated to be launched in eight cities over the next five months — Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mumbai, Chennai, Indore, Ahmedabad and Surat. Evocus claims to provide “sustained hydration, better detoxification and improved metabolism benefits” to consumers. Alkaline water has a pH level above 7. It contains more than 70 minerals which provide for better metabolism and digestion--hence rendering it with black colour. “The National Capital Region is an important market for us considering the NCR’s diverse, discerning consumer base, we are confident the alkaline, mineral-enriched Evocus will meet their desire for wellness through improved hydration and better detoxification,” said Aakash Vaghela, founder and managing director at AV Organics. The startup invested $1 million on the bottling plant in Vadodara, which can produce nearly 40 million bottles annually. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/gujarat-health-startup-is-selling-black-drinking-water-for-100-rupees-a-bottle/articleshow/70654195.cms">‘Black drinking water’ at ₹100 a bottle – a 30-year old Gujarati realtor’s new business idea for India's healthy brigade</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/five-years-on-india-may-not-even-get-a-chance-to-solve-its-on-going-water-crisis-risking-hundreds-of-millions-of-lives/articleshow/69988627.cms">Five years on, India may not even get a chance to solve its on-going water crisis risking hundreds of millions of lives</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/water-crisis-hyderabad-may-not-have-drinking-water-in-next-48-days/articleshow/70223928.cms">India’s water crisis deepens as Hyderabad might run out of water, like Chennai</a>

India’s first black alkaline water brand Evocus aims to sell 5 million bottles in its first year

India is reeling under severe drought conditions and heat wave, breaking past records. Maharashtra, Telangana are among 10 states that are reeling under severe humanitarian crisis due to water scarcity. 
 
Another such state is Karnataka, which is going through worst drought in 10 years. Around 3.1 crore people and 22759 villages are drought struck, leading to a massive exodus of people. Although an exodus during summers is a common phenomenon in Karnataka, this time the figures have intensified and are alarming at around 3-4 lakh, including Hyderabad. 
 
READ ALSO: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/The-Drought-Series-Telangana-is-facing-its-3rd-consecutive-drought-coupled-with-a-heatwave/articleshow/51931861.cms">The Drought Series: Telangana is facing its 3rd consecutive drought coupled with a heatwave</a> 
 
People in Karnataka are digging up wells, areas near rivers in search of water. Such is the situation that they are even exploiting water for the cattle. 
 
In Bengaluru, wells have been dug as deep as 1,200 ft and there has been a six-fold dip in water table in urban areas and three-fold fall in rural Karnataka since 2005. 
 
READ ALSO: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/The-Drought-Series-Maharashtras-drought-explained/articleshow/51927097.cms">The Drought Series: Maharashtra’s drought explained</a> 
 
Areas such as Mysuru, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Kalaburagi, Karwar, etc are staring at worst days to come since beside the rapid depletion of ground water, whatever water is left is also contaminated. 
 
The state government has stepped up efforts in this regard and is sending water tankers, however, there are still many villages who are yet to receive the aid. 
 
Even the Centre has approved Rs 723 crore for Karnataka, against the demand of Rs.1,417 crore for damage to the rabi or winter crop due to widespread drought. 
 
The repeat woes of Karnataka are resonating with the other states too. 
 
Here’s an overview: 
 
 
(Images: Indiatimes)

The Drought Series: Nearly 3.1 crore people in Karnataka are hit by the drought and migration is intensifying

<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=+Supreme+Court&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Supreme Court</a> has ordered<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=+Karnataka&amp;sortorder=effectivedate"> Karnataka</a> to stop defying its orders and also asked the state to confirm if it has released water from the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=River+Cauvery+&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">River Cauvery </a>to<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=+Tamil+Nadu&amp;sortorder=effectivedate"> Tamil Nadu</a>, by tomorrow. 
 All the attempts made by the <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> to broker a truce in the dispute over the <keyword id="629125" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="river-Cauvery">River Cauvery</keyword> have been ignored so far. <keyword id="6354780" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword> still is holding the water back which it was ordered to share with <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>. The centre has also refused to create a new committee to examine the crisis, telling judges that parliament alone has the authority to create such an agency. 
 
Tamil Nadu has been asking for more water for it its farmers from past one month. Supreme Court finally intervened and ruled in the favor of Tamil Nadu. Karnataka then obliged reluctantly, with riots across the state including in the capital of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Bengaluru&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Bengaluru</a>. After that, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that given that his own cities are nearly running dry, neighbor Tamil Nadu must wait till November for any more water. 
 Things didn’t go well as Supreme Court expected them to go. The orders were defied by Karnataka and Supreme Court has chastised Karnataka for defying its orders, including at today’s hearing. The judges were also taken aback by the centre stating that it cannot create the <keyword id="3669434" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="cauvery-water-management-board">Cauvery Water Management Board</keyword>, as ordered last week. 
 
"It was a mistake," the centre admitted to judges who pointed out that at the last hearing, the government had agreed to setting up the agency. Only parliament can authorize the board, said the government's lawyers. 
 
The court has asked the members of the board to visit Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and examine the situation and also listen to problems both sides claim to face. 
 A tribunal created earlier by the Supreme Court had decided in 2007 on how River <keyword id="6354543" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cauvery">Cauvery</keyword> water should be allocated, but the verdict has been challenged by all states involved. 
(Image:Indiatimes)

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