The State government has decided to provide treated water to the parched Devanahalli, where a host of industrial projects, including special economic zones, an IT park, an Aero city and a Business park, are coming up. Besides, the government wants to take up watershed development techniques in a big way to replenish the depleting groundwater table at the earliest.
“We have asked the BWSSB to provide treated water to Devanahalli. Once treated under the process called Reverse Osmosis, the treated water will be as good as fresh water. People can use it for potable purpose. We have asked the BWSSB to prepare a detailed plan in this regard,” Principal Secretary to department of Commerce and Industries V P Baligar said.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a filtration method that removes many types of large molecules and ions from solutions by applying pressure. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting recently chaired by BWSSB Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu to explore ways to provide water to Devanahalli. The BWSSB has informed the government that it is not possible to supply Cauvery water to Devanahalli.
Located in Bangalore rural district, Devanahalli has been the most sought-after destination for investors as it houses Bengaluru International Airport. Big-ticket projects like Aero space SEZ, Business park, International Convention Centre, IT and BT parks, ITRS, and many others are planned in and around Devanahalli. Besides, almost all major builders are coming up with many residential projects.
However, water has become a scarce commodity. The situation is deteriorating as the groundwater, the main source of water here, has touched the rock bottom.The problem is so severe that of 23 wards in Devanahalli town, residents in 17 wards are getting water supply once a week.
Similar is the scene in all neighbouring towns of Vijayapura, Hoskote, Doddaballapur and Nelamangaga. “Devanahalli is not only far from rivers, but it falls in the rain shadow area. If water is not made available, it will not be possible to harness the potential of the international airport,” official sources said. According to BWSSB Chief Engineer Venkat Raju said treated water is the only way to deal with water crisis in Devanahalli.
Presently, the BWSSB is treating around 710 MLD of used water in its tertiary treatment plants in and around Bangalore City. To take this water to Devanahalli, at least 20 kms of pipeline needs to be laid. The entire project may cost around Rs 1,000 crore.
Watershed technique
As per a report prepared by the Infrastructure Development department in this regard, as many as 700 micro and mini watershed structures will be set up in Devanahalli, Chikkaballapur and Bangalore north taluk. “It will help to achieve the twin goal of replenishing the ground water table and coping with the water crisis. We may get around 100 MLD of water through this method. These goals can be achieved in two years,” Principal Secretary to Infrastructure Development department V Madhu explained.
Highlights
The problems
* Underground water almost exhausted in Devanahalli
* Water is being supplied through tankers to majority of people now
* A host of big investments projects coming up
* Around 300 MLD is required as per the projected growth
* Cauvery water supply not possible
The way out
* Supply of treated water
* BWSSB to supply treated water after conducting Reverse Osmosis process
* Govt to implement watershed development in a big way and set up 700 watershed structures