Bengaluru, India’s technology hub, has been grappling with a prolonged and intensifying heat wave. On April 27, the city witnessed its second hottest April day in history, with temperatures soaring to an unprecedented high. This extreme heat has further exacerbated the city’s ongoing water crisis, leaving residents struggling to meet their daily needs.
The city’s water sources have been rapidly depleting, with several reservoirs and lakes reaching critically low levels. The shortage has disrupted the city’s water supply, forcing residents to rely on rationing and water tankers for their daily needs. The situation has become particularly dire in the city’s slums and informal settlements, where access to clean water has always been a challenge.
The heat wave has also taken a toll on the city’s infrastructure, with power outages and traffic disruptions becoming more frequent. Hospitals and clinics have reported an increase in patients suffering from heat-related illnesses, putting a strain on the city’s healthcare system. The extreme weather conditions have also impacted the city’s economy, with businesses and industries facing disruptions due to the heat and power outages.
The ongoing water crisis and heat wave have highlighted the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and climate change adaptation. Experts warn that the city’s water resources are facing long-term threats from urbanization, population growth, and changing weather patterns. They emphasize the need for long-term planning and investment in water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment to ensure a sustainable future for the city.