April 25: With severe water shortage leaving the city high and dry over the last few years, there is an urgent need to review Bengaluru’s water policies with detailed studies of its area-wise groundwater capacity and consumption, experts say. With a water crisis looming over the horizon for Bengalureans, the need of the hour is to implement measures for its conservation.

According to citizen welfare association Praja, the crisis has reached such high proportions that it is difficult to assess the magnitude of the problem in Bengaluru.

To remedy the situation, the organisation is initiating a project that will review the water health of the city using various parameters.

“The water index aims to develop a study of water consumption, availability and wastage among other factors that will determine the attitude of this city towards this crucial resource. It will also be an indicator to reflect the present situation and how much worse it may get in the city,” says Shekhar Mittal, a member of Praja.

The organisation, that has set certain parameters for the project, feels that clear, consolidated data is required to define how serious the city’s water woes are and propose effective solutions.

For the project, the team is hoping to work with government agencies and NGOs apart from research institutes in the city to obtain data. “There is little information available on the water usage of the city. Information on groundwater availability with a focus on the cause of uneven distribution across different areas will be sought. Water availability is not the only issue. Equity too is a key factor here,” adds Mr Mittal. The project, that will commence soon, is focused on water conservation in the long run. It also hopes to reach out to Bengalureans.

“There is a need to change people’s attitude and help them better understand the situation. It would be ideal to create a local water cycle in this city,” says Mr Mittal, adding that over a period of time, the index will be able to present a comparative picture of the quality, quantity, accessibility and reliability of water supply across various areas of the city.