Hyderabad facing Bengaluru-like water crisis?
With a rise in commercial and residential areas, Hyderabad mirrors a situation similar to Bengaluru.
A recent study conducted by the Indian Institute of Science has brought alarming news to the forefront: Bengaluru, once known for its lush greenery and pleasant climate, is now grappling with a drastic decline of 79 percent in its water levels. The cause? A tenfold increase in concrete structures across the city, according to the study. This revelation has sparked concerns in other urban centers, particularly Hyderabad, which is facing its own water scarcity challenges.
The study sheds light on a disturbing trend: the more Bengaluru’s urban landscape has expanded, the more its water resources have diminished. The city has witnessed a staggering 1055 percent increase in urban sprawl, soaring from a mere 8 percent in 1973 to a staggering 93.3 percent in 2023. As a direct consequence, the once sprawling water spread areas have dwindled significantly, contributing to the current water crisis.
The situation in Hyderabad mirrors these concerning trends, with a substantial surge in commercial and residential built-up areas observed between 2010 and 2021. The consequences of this rapid urbanization are stark: a lack of permeable surfaces and the rampant pollution of water bodies. These factors have combined to create a perfect storm of water scarcity and urban flooding in the city.
The Indian Institute of Science’s study underscores the urgent need for urban planners and policymakers to reevaluate their approach towards sustainable urban development. Hyderabad, much like Bengaluru, is at a critical juncture where decisive action is necessary to avert an impending water crisis.
The phenomenon of vanishing water bodies and declining water levels is not a new one in India’s urban landscape. Across the country, cities are grappling with the impacts of unchecked urbanization on their water resources. However, the case of Bengaluru serves as a potent warning of what could transpire if corrective measures are not taken swiftly.
In Bengaluru, once known for its numerous lakes and lush green cover, the reality today paints a starkly different picture. The rapid proliferation of concrete structures, driven by a burgeoning population and unchecked urban expansion, has left little room for the natural recharge of groundwater.
The consequences of this unchecked growth are manifold. Lakes that were once lifelines for the city have now been encroached upon and polluted. Water bodies that once served as recreational spaces and habitats for diverse flora and fauna are now reduced to stagnant pools choked with sewage and industrial waste.
The implications for Bengaluru’s residents are dire. The city now grapples with erratic water supply, with many areas facing acute shortages during the summer months. Residents are forced to rely on tankers for their daily water needs, a costly and unsustainable solution that exacerbates the city’s water woes.
Hyderabad, with its own burgeoning population and rapid urbanization, stands at a crossroads. The city’s water resources are already under strain, with groundwater levels plummeting and water bodies succumbing to pollution. The recent study by the Indian Institute of Science serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable urban planning.
To avert a similar fate to that of Bengaluru, Hyderabad must prioritize the conservation and rejuvenation of its water bodies. This includes strict enforcement of regulations to prevent encroachment, as well as robust measures to curb pollution. Additionally, the city must invest in sustainable water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment.
Public awareness and participation are also crucial components of any effective water management strategy. Citizens must be educated about the importance of water conservation and the role they can play in preserving this precious resource.
In conclusion, the parallels between Bengaluru’s water crisis and Hyderabad’s burgeoning urbanization are striking. The recent study by the Indian Institute of Science serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and citizens alike. Urgent action is needed to ensure that Hyderabad does not follow in the footsteps of Bengaluru, and instead charts a sustainable path towards water security for its residents.
The Telangana State Pollution Control Board’s records paint a concerning picture of Hyderabad’s water bodies. With a staggering count of 185 notified water bodies, the city holds a significant natural resource. However, the reality is grim, as many of these water bodies are facing severe challenges.
Tragically, a substantial portion of these water bodies are either heavily polluted or encroached upon by human settlements. This worrying trend has drawn the attention of experts, who have long warned about the detrimental impacts of pollution and encroachment on the ecosystem of these vital water sources.
An alarming revelation is that over 20 of these water bodies have completely dried up, rendering them useless for any purpose. The causes behind this drying up could be manifold, ranging from the impacts of climate change to human activities that disrupt the natural flow of water.
Adding to the distressing situation, experts highlight that an additional 300 water bodies are in a deplorable state. These bodies of water are either severely polluted, contaminated with industrial or domestic waste, or on the brink of being encroached upon by urban development.
This data underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to protect and preserve Hyderabad’s remaining water bodies. It is a call to action for authorities to implement stringent pollution control measures and prevent further encroachments on these vital natural resources. The future of Hyderabad’s water security depends on the proactive steps taken today to safeguard these precious ecosystems.
Hyderabad’s rapid urbanization, attributed to easy building permissions, has led to a 100% rise in revenue. Experts advocate rainwater harvesting and water body preservation for sustainable solutions.