Summary
Hyderabad’s Looming Water Crisis: A Bengaluru Paralleled Predicament? Hyderabad faces parallels to Bengaluru’s water crisis due to rapid urbanization, with a 79% decline in water levels. Over 20 water bodies dried up, and 300 more face degradation. Ease of building permissions accelerates concretization. Experts advocate rainwater harvesting for sustainable solutions to avert a looming catastrophe.
Hyderabad’s Looming Water Crisis: A Bengaluru Paralleled Predicament?
Concrete Jungle Breeds Water Woes
A recent study conducted by the Indian Institute of Science has thrown light on Bengaluru’s dire water situation, with a staggering 79% decline in water levels attributed to rapid urbanization. This alarming revelation has sparked concerns over whether Hyderabad is hurtling towards a similar fate.
Urban Expansion vs. Water Scarcity
The study underscores a troubling correlation between urban sprawl and diminishing water resources. Bengaluru witnessed a jaw-dropping 1055% surge in urban expansion from 1973 to 2023, drastically shrinking its water spread area. Hyderabad, too, finds itself on a parallel trajectory, witnessing a significant uptick in commercial and residential developments between 2010 and 2021.
Hyderabad’s Haunting Realities
Hyderabad, known for its rich history and burgeoning IT sector, is grappling with a multifaceted water crisis. The Telangana State Pollution Control Board’s records paint a grim picture, revealing that the city is home to a staggering 185 notified water bodies, many of which are either polluted or encroached upon.
According to experts, over 20 water bodies have dried up entirely, while an additional 300 teeter on the brink of degradation. Climate change and human activities are cited as major contributors to this alarming trend.
The Role of Urbanization and Policy
Experts have pinpointed the ease of obtaining building permissions as a catalyst for Hyderabad’s rapid urbanization. The Telangana government’s Development Permission Management System (DPMS) has fueled a surge in revenue from building permissions, exacerbating the concretization conundrum.
Sustainable Solutions: A Ray of Hope
Amidst the gloom, there’s a glimmer of hope through sustainable solutions. Rainwater harvesting emerges as a crucial intervention, with experts advocating for its widespread adoption. Mandating rainwater pits in areas exceeding 200 sq meters can replenish groundwater and alleviate pressure on external water sources.
Also Read: Ramoji Academy Launches Free Online Courses in Seven Indian Languages
A Call to Action
The urgency for proactive measures to curb concretization and bolster water conservation efforts cannot be overstated. By embracing sustainable practices, Hyderabad can avert an impending water catastrophe and chart a course towards a resilient future.
In the face of mounting challenges, the onus lies on policymakers, urban planners, and citizens alike to prioritize water conservation and ensure the sustenance of Hyderabad’s precious water resources.
As the city stands at a crossroads, the choices made today will reverberate for generations to come. Will Hyderabad heed the warning signs and embark on a path towards sustainable stewardship, or will it succumb to the same fate as its southern counterpart? Only time will tell.
The above article has been written with inputs from Siasat – Source
