Many lakes in the city have dried up and are ready to receive rainwater this monsoon, according to the BBMP. However, what bothers scientists and experts is why the waterbodies have dried up.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike itself declared that no lake is expected to breach or overflow this monsoon. But scientists and experts warn 98.5% of the city will be covered with paved surfaces, with no scope for optimal hydro logical functions by 2025. And 94% of the landscape will be buildings by 2020.
They cite the decline of vegetation in catchment areas and mismanagement of flood plains and buffer zones as reasons for the lakes drying up. IISc professor T V Ramachandra said the city is facing unrealistic urbanisation. “Irresponsible conversion of flood plains and urbanisation are the prime drivers drying up the lakes, as the region is losing its ability to allow water infiltration and retention,” he said.
“Irrespective of the landscape, rural or urban, the state administration and judiciary need to respect ecological principles and respect flood plains, and ensure 33% green cover in the region. Consequences of not adhering to these concepts are loss of groundwater and temperature rise,” he added.
The professor held ‘irresponsible pseudo-experts’ and ‘bureaucrats’ responsible for the dismal situation in Bengaluru. “Flood plains depend on the size of a lake and catchment topography. Unrealistic comparison with other cities and arguing for reduction in the buffer zone, would only spell doomsday for Bengalureans rendering them without water,” he said.
Experts suggest creating mini forests of 1-2 hectares in each ward with native species vegetation, which will enhance groundwater recharge and water retention at local levels. As Bengaluru receives 15 TMC rainwater, they say 70% of the city’s water requirement can be met in this way.