Bengaluru, Hyderabad facing surge in queries for water-related services: Important to make new cities and smart cities water resilient, says expert

Several pockets of India, specifically in urban landscape is facing a severe water crisis, with cities struggling to meet the growing demand for water. As our cities expand rapidly, the strain on water resources has become increasingly evident. More people and industries are relying on water, but our water sources are limited. As per a report released on Friday, key urban cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad saw a sharp rise in customer queries for water-related services due to severe water scarcity.

Bengaluru experienced a 101 per cent surge while Hyderabad saw a 56 per cent jump in consumer queries related to water resources, suggesting that these two major metropolises are severely impacted by water scarcity, the report by local business search engine Justdial revealed.

The recent El Nino phenomenon has further compounded the issue, leaving a significant portion of the country reeling under severe drought conditions, it said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued warnings of a hotter and drier summer this year, attributing it to the El Nino effect, it noted.

There has also been a significant rise in searches for water-related services in other major cities like Pune (31 per cent), Mumbai (11 per cent), Ahmedabad (7 per cent), Chennai (6 per cent), Delhi (3 per cent), and Kolkata (3 per cent).

Among the most searched categories on the Justdial platform were water tank dealers, drinking water tanker suppliers, water tank repairs and services, and water tank cleaning services, reflecting the growing concern among consumers regarding water availability and quality, the report added.

Amid water scarcity, important to make new cities and smart cities water resilient

Efficient and futuristic urban planning can play a crucial role in addressing this crisis. Prabhakar Kumar, Head Urban Sector at REPL, says that by incorporating sustainable water management strategies into the design and development of new cities or redevelopment of existing urban settings, we can significantly reduce water wastage and ensure optimal resource utilization. "This is the reason that in all smart city planning, smart water management system, along with the treatment and recycling of wastewater is given very high priority," he informs.

Kumar is at the forefront of this transformative effort by direct involvement in formulation of several regional plans, master plans, city development plans and smart city projects. He emphasizes the importance of integrating water-saving measures into urban planning and infrastructure projects to combat the looming water crisis.

According to him, simple steps like incorporating rainwater harvesting systems, implementing wastewater treatment plants, and promoting water-efficient technologies in buildings can go a long way in reducing water wastage. Additionally, creating green spaces and restoring natural water bodies within cities can help replenish groundwater levels and enhance water resilience.

Kumar draws inspiration from successful global examples like Singapore, where water-sensitive urban design principles have led to significant reductions in water consumption and improved water quality. He believes that Indian cities have the potential to follow suit and become water-resilient. "However, addressing water scarcity in cities requires a multi-faceted approach, involving collaboration between government agencies, urban planners, developers, and the community. Public awareness campaigns, policy incentives, and regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in fostering a culture of water conservation and incentivizing sustainable water practices," he adds.

As India braces for the impending summer months, marked by scorching temperatures and heightened water demand, urban planning emerges as a crucial solution to mitigate the impact of water scarcity. Municipalities must proactively implement preventive measures to prepare for the impending challenges and ensure the availability of adequate water resources for all users.

The Head of Urban Sector at REPL emphasizes the need for cities to embrace innovative strategies backed by technology and prioritize water-sensitive design principles. By doing so, he says cities can build resilience against water shortages and pave the way for a sustainable water future for generations to come.

"The water crisis in cities like Bengaluru serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to address water scarcity. Urban development initiatives nationwide must prioritize sustainable water management strategies to ensure a water-secure future for our cities," he avers.

Moreover, Kumar highlights the potential of integrated technology in smart cities to improve the affair of states in preserving, reserving, and maintaining water levels. "For instance, a smart city laying the groundwork for rainwater harvesting can measure the amount of water saved through the Internet of Things (IoT). This data can help cities optimize their water management strategies and make informed decisions about water conservation efforts. By leveraging technology, smart cities can monitor water usage, detect leaks by introducing the RFID at major joint, and implement efficient water distribution systems, ultimately contributing to the preservation of this precious resource," he sums up saying.