Bengaluru is poised to receive a significant boost to its water security and climate resilience, thanks to a $426 million program approved by the World Bank. The "Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Program" aims to benefit over four million residents in India's tech hub by improving water resource management and increasing resilience to extreme weather events.
The program comes at a crucial time for Karnataka, which has been grappling with frequent floods and droughts, resulting in average losses exceeding $1.2 billion annually since 2009. These events have significantly impacted economic hubs like Bengaluru and its surrounding areas, damaging infrastructure and homes.
A key component of the program involves the revival of Bengaluru's 183 lakes, which serve as natural sponges during heavy rainfall. The project will also fund the construction of nine sewage water treatment plants (STPs) to prevent sewage from entering these vital water bodies and drains. Treated wastewater will then be reused for industrial purposes and to recharge groundwater in the greater Bengaluru area. Furthermore, over 100,000 households will receive first-time sewerage connections, improving sanitation and reducing pollution.
The program will not only improve water availability but will also focus on strengthening the financial capabilities of key institutions such as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The initiative aims to enhance BWSSB's revenue by mobilizing $5 million in private capital, improving efficiency, replacing aging water pipes, and introducing innovative tools like smart water meters.
Recognizing the increasing threat of extreme weather events, the program will develop and implement advanced flood modeling using computer simulations to predict potential flooding scenarios. This will enable the city to optimize future investments in resilience and better prepare for and respond to disasters. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre will be strengthened through early warning systems and improved responses to extreme weather events.
The World Bank’s Country Director for India, Auguste Tano Kouame, stated that the program aims to increase the revenues of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board and mobilize $5 million in private capital which will improve efficiency, restore aging water pipes, and tap the private sector to create innovative tools like smart water meters.
The $426 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a maturity of 20 years, including a 5-year grace period. The project's total cost is estimated at $677 million, with the Karnataka government contributing $246 million and the remaining $5 million expected to be raised through private capital.
The "Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Program" represents a comprehensive approach to addressing Bengaluru's water challenges, integrating infrastructure improvements, institutional strengthening, and climate resilience measures to ensure a sustainable and secure water future for the city's growing population.
