ASSIGNMNET 01 :
Elaborate the roles and responsibilities of an Architect in addressing water scarcity
in Bangalore
.
R Shiva Narayana
19261AA031
Bengaluru’s Unprecedented Water Crisis
Once a city renowned for its verdant landscapes and abundant water resources, Bengaluru now faces a severe water crisis. This dire
situation has been brought about by several factors:
1.Inadequate Water Utility Services: The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has yet to extend its water pipelines to the
city’s outskirts. Areas such as Bellandur, Sing Sandra, Ramamurthy Nagar, Byatarayanapura, Jakub, and Devanahalli are particularly
affected, relying heavily on water supplied by tankers.
2.Unfulfilled Government Schemes: Despite each incoming government pledging to address the city’s water issues, most drinking water
and sanitation schemes fail to materialize.
3.Reliance on Rainwater: The city’s major water reservoirs, including Krishna Raj Sagar (KRS) and Kabin, along with other state dams and
reservoirs, can only store up to 20% of their capacity. Given these circumstances, the state has barely enough drinking water to last a single
season.
4.Encroachment of Natural Water Bodies: The transformation of Bangalore into a concrete metropolis has come at the expense of its
natural water bodies. The city’s lakes and tanks are now inhabited, and the search for the city’s natural beauty continues.
5.Overuse of Groundwater: With the encroachment of natural water bodies, groundwater has become the primary water source in most
parts of the city. It is used for drinking, washing, and landscape management. However, the water is not sufficiently reused and often ends
up wasted in drains.
6.Declining Borewell Water Levels: Borewells are now being dug as deep as 800-900 feet to find water, a stark contrast to a few decades
ago when water was commonly found at depths of 150-200 feet.
7.Issues with Local Distribution Networks: In the absence of government water utility services, residents are forced to rely on tanker-
supplied water. This supply chain is unregulated and poorly managed, with issues relating to sourcing, sanitization, availability, and pricing.
8.Failed Monsoons: The global climate change phenomenon has not spared India, Karnataka, or Bangalore. One of the major impacts of
this change is the failure of monsoons. The city does not receive enough rainfall to replenish its groundwater. With its fossil water reserve
nearly depleted, the city is now heavily dependent on increasingly scarce rainwater.
Bengaluru's Water Crisis: How Architects Can Lead the Way
The Problem: Bengaluru faces a critical water shortage. Uncontrolled urban sprawl has overwhelmed existing water resources. Architects, as key players in shaping the city's future, hold the power to address this
challenge.
The Architect's Responsibility:
•Bridging the Gap: Architects can design with water efficiency in mind. This means incorporating rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow fixtures, and promoting water-saving technologies. Educating clients
about water conservation further strengthens this approach.
•Building Regulations: Advocating for stricter building codes that mandate water-saving measures is crucial. These regulations can ensure all new developments prioritize water conservation.
•Long-Term Vision: Architects can champion green building practices. This includes using recycled water, treating wastewater for non-potable uses, and minimizing water-intensive landscaping.
•Collaboration is Key: Working alongside urban planners, engineers, and policymakers allows for the development of comprehensive water management strategies. This includes optimizing water supply,
distribution, treatment, and reuse.
•Future-proofing the City: With Bengaluru's population expected to surge, equitable water distribution for all residents becomes paramount. Architects must factor this into their designs.
•Climate Adaptation: Water scarcity is often exacerbated by climate change. Architects can design with adaptability in mind, creating solutions that address future water challenges.
In Conclusion: Architects are uniquely positioned to lead the fight against water scarcity in Bengaluru. By embracing sustainable practices, advocating for change, and collaborating with other stakeholders, they
can ensure a water-secure future for the city.
