Unveiling Bengaluru’s Strained Infrastructure: Traffic Jams, Floods, and Water Crisis
Urban experts attribute the water crisis in Bengaluru primarily to the proliferation of borewells coupled with the depletion of lakes.
India’s Silicon Valley is facing a severe water crisis just before the arrival of summer. This seems contradictory considering a few years ago, the city witnessed heavy rainfall, leading to scenes of submerged villas and apartments that went viral on social media. While it was once a case of ‘water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink,’ the current situation portrays the city gradually drying up, with water tankers becoming a common sight.
The water shortage stems from swift urbanization, escalating construction projects, migration influx, and the imperative to meet the escalating needs of the city’s expanding populace.
According to urban experts, the primary cause of the water crisis is the proliferation of borewells and the depletion of lakes. It’s worth noting that nearly half of the city’s water demand relies on groundwater, while the remainder is sourced from the Cauvery river. Experts point out that borewells are running dry, water bodies are being encroached upon, and there’s inadequate enforcement of rainwater harvesting systems. Additionally, the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), responsible for supplying drinking water to the tech hub, reportedly hasn’t extended piped water supply to peripheral areas yet.
The water scarcity has now reached gated communities in Bengaluru. The expense of procuring water from private tankers, previously around ₹500 a few weeks ago, has surged to nearly ₹800-2,000 for a 12,000-liter tanker.
Srikanth Viswanathan, CEO of Janaagraha, believes that there is a pressing need to enhance the capabilities and financial resources of BWSSB. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of making BWSSB more accountable for managing water and sanitation in the city.
“Bengaluru suffers from fragmented governance when what it requires is comprehensive systemic governance. Rather than relying on temporary fixes and reactionary measures, Bengaluru necessitates strong urban infrastructure and empowered yet responsible municipal institutions that take proactive steps,” he elaborates.
Experts suggest that the city should focus on eliminating encroachments on water bodies, implementing penalties for non-compliance with rainwater harvesting regulations, and, importantly, promoting the reuse of sewage water.
Traffic woes
According to the findings of a Dutch geolocation technology firm, TomTom, Bengaluru retained its status as the most congested city in India in 2023, although it dropped to the sixth position globally. In 2022, Bengaluru held the second spot globally, trailing only behind London. TomTom’s 13th traffic index for 2023 revealed that the average time required to travel 10 kilometers in Bengaluru’s city center saw a slight improvement, decreasing by a minute. Specifically, commuters took 29 minutes and 10 seconds in 2022, while in 2023, it decreased to 28 minutes and 10 seconds.
Viswanathan emphasizes that prioritizing the preparation, implementation, and enforcement of spatial plans is paramount for large cities. Currently, 39% of state capitals in India lack updated master plans. He also underscores the importance of embracing the 15/20-minute neighborhood concept, emphasizing mixed-use neighborhoods. Congestion significantly influences individuals’ decisions regarding where to reside and work, both at the city and neighborhood levels. An IIM Bengaluru study on Tender SURE roads demonstrated a higher property yield associated with them. Tender SURE roads tackle congestion by providing walkable footpaths and consistent travel lanes. Street design plays a crucial role in alleviating congestion by facilitating smoother traffic flow and promoting practical use of public transportation, he elaborated.
Premium FAR
The recently passed Karnataka Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill by the state government allows real estate developers to acquire additional “premium FAR” by paying 40 percent of the area’s guidance value. However, the premium FAR cannot exceed 60 percent of the allowable limit. This means developers can develop up to 60 percent more area than the standard plot limit, provided they pay the premium.
This implies that developers can construct additional floors by remitting a specified sum to the government as a premium. The precise intricacies of the Bill have not been disclosed yet.
Leading the implementation of the Bill, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also serves as the Minister for Bengaluru City Development, stated that premium FAR is already being offered in Mangaluru, emphasizing the government’s need for funds for development purposes. He was quoted by media reports as saying, “Our objective is to generate funds for major infrastructure development. In Mangaluru, we have accumulated ₹2,000 crore over the past few years. In Bengaluru, premium FAR up to two-thirds of the permissible limit will be permitted.”
According to urban experts, while premium FAR could serve as a means of generating revenue by enabling developers to construct additional floors upon payment, it could exacerbate the strain on the city’s already fragile infrastructure. Particularly in densely populated regions lacking Metro connectivity, this initiative might contribute to increased traffic congestion.
Sarang Kulkarni, Managing Director of the real estate advisory firm Descon Ventures Real Estate Services Pvt Ltd, suggests that if developers opt to utilize this premium for projects situated in central areas, it could not only exacerbate traffic issues in those locations but also strain water and electricity supply due to heightened density.
“If the introduction of premium FSI is considered, it should be integrated into a comprehensive plan that addresses infrastructure, water supply, and transportation concerns. A master plan must be established to accommodate the increased density,” he emphasizes.
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