Bengaluru Imposes Fines for Non-Essential Water Use Amid Crisis

Residents face severe shortages, prompting government restrictions and penalties to conserve water.

Bengaluru faces a severe water crisis, leading to restrictions on the use of drinking water for non-essential purposes such as washing cars, gardening, and construction, with violators facing a Rs 5,000 fine.
Residents report dire living conditions, with some resorting to using mall toilets and gyms for basic hygiene due to the lack of water supply in their homes.
The crisis is exacerbated by depleting groundwater levels, a drought in the Cauvery basin, and a significant shortfall in the city's daily water needs.
Government interventions include controlling water tanker distribution, fixing tanker prices, and exploring solutions like recycled water, but challenges such as illicit water tanker operations persist.
The situation has prompted a broader discussion on sustainable water use and the need for long-term solutions to prevent future crises.