Unacademy CEO asks Blinkit to start 10-minute water delivery as Bengaluru’s water crisis intensifies

Bengaluru, the IT capital of India, is currently facing an unprecedented water crisis. The city, which has experienced consecutive years of surplus rainfall, is now grappling with acute water shortages. With over 7,000 villages, 1,100 wards, and 220 talukas affected, the situation has reached alarming levels. The depletion of the underground water table, coupled with a failed monsoon in 2023, has exacerbated the crisis. Even before the peak summer season, Bengaluru is already experiencing water woes, leaving its residents scrambling for solutions.

The Severity of the Drought

According to Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the current drought in Karnataka is the most severe the state has witnessed in the last 30-40 years. Bengaluru, in particular, is feeling the impact. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has drilled thousands of borewells, but the situation is dire. Out of the 10,955 borewells, 1,214 have completely dried up, while the water levels in 3,700 others have significantly dropped. This, combined with soaring temperatures and a lack of preparedness by the city administration, has left the city parched.

The Role of Water Tankers and Rising Prices

As the water crisis intensifies, the demand for water tankers in Bengaluru has skyrocketed. Many households in the city rely on water supply from the Cauvery river or water tankers. However, the scarcity has led to a surge in prices, making it increasingly difficult for residents to afford this vital resource. The Bengaluru civic administration has attempted to regulate the tanker mafia and cap prices, but with little success. People from all walks of life, including the poor, are struggling to cope with the escalating costs.

Individual Efforts at Conservation

In the face of the water crisis, residents of Bengaluru living in apartments and independent houses have taken matters into their own hands. Recognizing the urgency of water conservation, they are actively implementing various strategies to cope with the situation. From installing rainwater harvesting systems to practicing responsible water usage, individuals are making a concerted effort to preserve this precious resource. However, these individual efforts can only go so far in addressing the larger issue at hand.

Tech Entrepreneur’s Innovative Solution: Blinkit’s 10-Minute Water Delivery Service

Gaurav Munjal, the CEO of edtech company Unacademy, has come up with an innovative solution to tackle Bengaluru’s water crisis. He has suggested that Blinkit, a quick-commerce platform, should start an on-demand, under 10-minute water tanker service for the city.

Munjal believes that such a service could provide quick relief to the residents who are already grappling with acute water shortages ahead of the summer season. This innovative idea has gained attention and sparked a discussion about the potential benefits of a fast and efficient water delivery system.

The Depletion of Groundwater and the Floating Population

The scarcity of rainfall in Bengaluru has resulted in the depletion of groundwater levels, leading to many borewells running dry. This has further exacerbated the water crisis in the city. With a population of approximately 1.40 crore, including the floating population, Bengaluru requires nearly 1,450 million litres per day (MLD) of water from the Cauvery river, in addition to 700 MLD from groundwater resources. The demand for water far exceeds the available supply, making it crucial to explore innovative solutions like Blinkit’s proposed water delivery service.

Regulation of Borewell Drilling

To address the water crisis at its root, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has taken steps to regulate the drilling of borewells. In a recent order, the authorities have made it mandatory to obtain permission before drilling borewells. This move aims to control the indiscriminate drilling practices that have contributed to the depletion of groundwater levels. By closely monitoring and regulating borewell drilling, the authorities hope to mitigate the impact of the water crisis in the long run.

The Impact on Tech Professionals and Temporary Relocation

The severity of the water crisis has prompted many tech professionals to consider temporary relocation from Bengaluru. The uncertainty surrounding water supply, coupled with the increasing costs, has compelled individuals to explore alternative options. The exodus of tech professionals highlights the urgency and severity of the situation. It also underscores the need for immediate action to alleviate the water crisis and retain the city’s talent pool.

The Potential of Blinkit’s Water Delivery Service

Blinkit’s proposed 10-minute water delivery service has the potential to be a game-changer in addressing Bengaluru’s water crisis. By providing a quick and efficient solution, residents can access water without relying solely on tankers or traditional water supply systems.

However, the success of such a service depends on various factors, including infrastructure, scalability, and affordability. Implementing this innovative solution would require extensive planning and coordination to ensure its effectiveness.

Conclusion

Bengaluru’s water crisis demands immediate attention and innovative solutions. With the depletion of groundwater levels, failed monsoons, and soaring temperatures, the city is facing an unprecedented challenge. Blinkit’s proposed 10-minute water delivery service offers a glimmer of hope in this crisis. By leveraging technology and quick-commerce platforms, Bengaluru has the opportunity to revolutionize its water supply system.

However, it is crucial to address the underlying issues, such as conservation, regulation, and long-term sustainability, to ensure a comprehensive solution to the water crisis. With the right efforts and collective action, Bengaluru can overcome this challenge and secure a sustainable water future for its residents.