Bengaluru's Thirst: A Cry for Action Amid Water Crisis

Water, water is everywhere, yet not a single drop is fit to drink. I never anticipated encountering this proverb so early in my childhood. My years spent in Bagalkote opened my eyes to the significance of water, as we gathered it from various sources to store for days before eagerly awaiting the next supply. After some years, municipal borewells were installed, providing water daily for a few hours. This understanding of water's importance was ingrained in me since childhood.

However, the situation at my paternal house in Bombay (now Mumbai) was vastly different, as water was available throughout the day. They resided in a multi-story apartment with large tanks atop the building supplying water continuously. They never needed to store water. Witnessing this was a relief, but unfortunately, it didn't last long. Within five years, every household had to store water as it was supplied for only a few hours, leading to a significant reliance on water tankers in the following years.

In one of my work locations, Bijapur (now Vijayapura), there was shortage of water issues earlier. I recall government officials joking that disobedience might result in a transfer to Bijapur, a seemingly arid land.

While bore wells may appear to be a solution, they have adversely affected the ponds and lakes in Bengaluru. Replenishing water through rainwater harvesting is recommended, but the unpredictability of the monsoon makes it difficult to rely solely on this method. I mention these three locations to emphasize that the water crisis isn't confined to the capital of Karnataka; it exists in numerous villages, towns, and states across India.

Despite Bengaluru making headlines, it's crucial to recognize that water scarcity is prevalent elsewhere too. Whether the news channels or governments take notice, it's essential for individuals to take steps towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

So, what have I been doing?

During the academic year 2023-24, I taught AI as a subject for Grades 9 and 10 in a CBSE school. I had several opportunities to express my views and provide examples of practicing SDGs. For instance, I made a conscious effort to only switch on lights in rooms where they were needed and collected excess water from the filter machine for domestic purposes such as washing floors or watering plants. These habits stem from my early childhood experiences.

At QtPi Robotics, where I mentor, we address pressing issues like these with children. We engage in various projects to help them understand the importance of bringing sustainability into their lives for the present and future generations. Take a look at some of these projects.