Overview

• The World Bank approved a $426 million IBRD loan with a 20-year maturity and five-year grace period on June 23 and officially launched the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme on June 25
• It aims to revive 183 lakes as natural sponges following Bengaluru’s record May rainfall to reduce flood risks
• The initiative includes constructing nine sewage treatment plants to block contaminants from entering lakes and drains and providing sewer connections to 100,000 households
• Treated wastewater will be redirected for industrial use and groundwater recharge to bolster sustainable water supply
• Partnership with the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre will strengthen early warning systems and advanced flood modelling to curb annual losses