The water problem in Bengaluru is another wake up call to remind one of the bane of unplanned urbanisation. In fact, it brings to the forefront the trade-off between growth and sustainability. The west was able to grow faster than the east starting from the industrial revolution and by the time climate change has been recognised as a threat, the east faces such trade-offs. In a way when the west pontificates on the issue, it sounds unfair as these countries damaged the ecosystem over time but went ahead of the others. And now the issue is global where all nations have to cut back for the global good which can mean major compromises for the emerging nations.

Cities are known to be overcrowded as this is where opportunities reside. This has led to a big boost to the housing sector which includes also the proliferation of slums when people do not have the money to own a home. The social issues are known and open to discussion. But the creaking infrastructure of cities gets exposed as they become even more vulnerable. Water scarcity is one of the several problems that emerge.

The reservoir levels are down today to an average of about 38% of full capacity (45% last year) and with an early onset of summer, the threat of evaporation is there. This will be affecting not just the farmers but also cattle and households where water becomes scarce until the arrival of the monsoon. It has also been observed that the monsoons tend to arrive later than the scheduled time and while June 1st is officially the date, it is normally towards the end of the month........

© Free Press Journal