"For every drop of water you waste, you must know that somewhere on earth someone is desperately looking for a drop of water!" - Mehmet Murat ildan, Turkish novelist
Bengaluru necessitates approximately 2,632 million litres per day (MLD) of water, where residential consumption constitutes 72 percent, industrial usage 17 percent, commercial/institutional usage eight percent, and construction activities two percent. Groundwater, constituting the remaining 52 percent, is vital but excessively exploited.
The city extracts an estimated 1,392 MLD from groundwater, while only 148 MLD is naturally restored through green areas and water reservoirs.
Source: Click here
Bengaluru, known as India's Silicon Valley, is facing a pressing water crisis that demands immediate attention. In recent years, the city has witnessed a sharp decline in groundwater availability, primarily due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and environmental degradation.
This blog aims to delve into the root causes of Bengaluru's water crisis, explore potential solutions, explore a theory that can raise an early warning, highlight necessary precautions, and conclude with a call to action.
WHAT CAUSED THE WATER CRISIS?
"When the well is dry, we know the worth of water." - Benjamin Franklin, American Statesman
The rapid urbanization, that the city has experienced a surge in population growth and urban expansion, leading to heightened demand for water across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. However, the city's infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with this growth, placing strain on existing water resources.
Furthermore, unregulated extraction of groundwater through borewells has caused a notable decline in groundwater levels, particularly affecting residents in peri-urban areas who heavily rely on groundwater for their daily needs. Additionally, Bengaluru's once-vibrant water bodies, including lakes and reservoirs, have been adversely impacted by encroachment, pollution, and mismanagement. Illegal construction activities and the disposal of untreated sewage and industrial waste have severely degraded these water sources, diminishing their capacity to store and supply water.
Moreover, the city's water supply faces additional challenges from erratic rainfall patterns and climate change-induced droughts. Unpredictable monsoon seasons have further strained water availability, impacting the replenishment of reservoirs and groundwater levels. Inefficient water management practices, such as leakage in distribution networks, and a lack of water conservation measures, have also contributed to wastage and inefficiency in water usage citywide. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires concerted efforts to implement sustainable water management practices and mitigate the impact of future water shortages.
HOW CAN WE TAKE MEASURES TO PREVENT WATER SCARCITY?
'A drop of water is worth more than a sack of gold to a thirsty man.'
Some of the measures include:
Rainwater Harvesting: Encouraging widespread adoption of rainwater harvesting techniques can help recharge groundwater levels and reduce reliance on external water sources. Incentives and regulations to promote rainwater harvesting in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings can be implemented.
Sustainable Water Management: Implementing efficient water management practices, such as leak detection and repair, water recycling, and demand-side management, can help optimize water usage and minimize wastage. Encouraging industries to adopt water-efficient technologies and practices can also contribute to conservation efforts.
Groundwater Management: Regulating and monitoring groundwater extraction through strict enforcement of borewell regulations and promoting recharge initiatives can help stabilize groundwater levels and prevent further depletion.
Besides the standard methods to conserve water, let us look at the Catastrophe Theory which can help us predict such a scenario in the future.
CATASTROPHE THEORY
'Catastrophe theory is a mathematical theory that studies abrupt and discontinuous changes, or "catastrophes," in the behaviour of complex systems as a result of small changes in certain control parameters.'
In the context of water security and adaptation, catastrophe theory can be applied to assess[KA1] the resilience of water systems to environmental stressors and predict potential catastrophic shifts in system behaviour.
This theory could be utilized by governments and organizations to develop a resilient water management system.
Here's how catastrophe theory can inform the assessment of water security and adaptation strategies:
Identification of Critical Thresholds: Catastrophe theory can help identify critical thresholds or tipping points in water systems, beyond which abrupt and irreversible changes occur. By analyzing the relationships between key variables such as water availability, demand, and environmental conditions, researchers and policymakers can pinpoint thresholds where small changes in environmental parameters could trigger catastrophic shifts, such as water shortages, ecosystem collapse, or infrastructure failure.
Assessment of System Stability: Catastrophe theory provides frameworks for assessing the stability and resilience of water systems under different environmental conditions and adaptation scenarios. By modelling the potential effects of climate change, population growth, land use changes, and other drivers on water resources, decision-makers can evaluate the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes and prioritize adaptation measures to enhance system resilience.
Development of Early Warning Systems: Catastrophe theory can inform the development of early warning systems and risk assessment tools to anticipate and mitigate water-related disasters. By monitoring key indicators and control parameters in water systems, such as groundwater levels, river flows, and precipitation patterns, stakeholders can detect signals of impending catastrophes and implement timely interventions to prevent or minimize their impacts.
Design of Adaptive Management Strategies: Catastrophe theory emphasizes the importance of adaptive management strategies that are flexible, responsive, and capable of adjusting to changing environmental conditions. By incorporating feedback loops, learning mechanisms, and scenario planning into water management practices, decision-makers can enhance the adaptive capacity of water systems and reduce the risk of catastrophic failures in the face of uncertainty and variability
Overall, catastrophe theory offers a valuable framework for assessing water security and adaptation strategies in the context of environmental change, helping stakeholders anticipate, prevent, and respond to potentially catastrophic events in water systems
The Bengaluru water crisis directly impacts Business Continuity and resilience by posing challenges to operations, supply chains, and financial stability. Erratic water supply disrupts production processes, necessitating contingency plans and alternative sourcing methods. Businesses reliant on water-intensive operations face heightened risks, requiring investments in water-efficient technologies and processes. Supply chain vulnerabilities arise from sourcing raw materials in water-stressed areas, necessitating diversification and risk assessments. Financial implications include increased costs and regulatory fines for excessive water usage, prompting businesses to monitor and manage water consumption effectively. Reputation and stakeholder relations may suffer due to perceived environmental irresponsibility, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication and sustainable water management practices. Adapting to regulatory compliance and fostering innovation for water conservation further strengthens Business Continuity and resilience amidst the Bengaluru water crisis.
As a result, Catastrophe Theory could be possibly used in order to predict a scenario like this in the future so governments and organizations could be better prepared.
CONCLUSION
The water crisis in Bengaluru is a pressing issue that requires immediate action and collaboration among stakeholders. By implementing sustainable solutions, promoting water conservation, and raising awareness, we can work towards ensuring a water-secure future for Bengaluru. Let us take proactive measures like examining the use of Catastrophe Theory to anticipate any future crises and safeguard this invaluable resource which is water for generations to come.
It is time to prioritize water conservation, resilience, and environmental stewardship to safeguard this invaluable resource for generations to come.
Gorisco has a wide range of experts who are experienced in defining and designing various solutions to help organizations mitigate their risks and resolve their problems.
At Gorisco, our motto is 'Embedding Resilience,’ and we are committed to making the organizations and their workforce resilient. Reach out to us if you have any queries, clarifications, or need any support on your initiatives.
To read our other blogs, click here. More importantly, let us know if you liked them or not through your comments.