National Service Scheme (NSS) Β· Cambridge Institute of Technology Β· Bangalore Β· 2026

Every Drop
Counts.

Bangalore was built on 1,452 lakes. Today, fewer than 194 survive. Nearly half the city's borewells have gone dry. We are the generation that decides what comes next.

1,452 β†’ 194
Lakes remaining from the 1960s. Only a handful are ecologically healthy. (IISc)
~7,000
Of 14,781 BWSSB borewells have gone completely dry as of 2024
500 MLD
Daily water deficit β€” demand is 2,632 MLD, supply falls far short
The Bangalore Water Crisis

A City on the Brink

Bangalore β€” India's Silicon Valley β€” is facing a water emergency decades in the making. Every number below is sourced from BWSSB, IISc, or peer-reviewed research.

🏞️
Historic lakes remaining
~194
IISc records show Bangalore had 1,452 lakes in the 1960s. Today ~194 remain β€” of these, 90% are sewage-fed and 98% face encroachment. 837 lakes in Bengaluru Urban district alone have vanished.
Source: IISc; House Committee 2021; ALMA Magazine 2025
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Borewells gone dry (2024)
6,997
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar revealed in 2024 that nearly half of 14,781 BWSSB borewells stopped yielding water. In Whitefield, KR Puram and JP Nagar, borewells now go to 1,500 feet β€” unthinkable a decade ago.
Source: Deccan Herald; neerain.com 2024–26
πŸ’§
Daily freshwater demand
2,632 MLD
WELL Labs estimates total demand at 2,632 million litres/day. BWSSB supplies only 1,460 MLD β€” leaving a 500+ MLD daily deficit filled by rapidly depleting groundwater. 30% of Cauvery water is additionally lost to leaks.
Source: WELL Labs / IndiaSpend 2024; IWA Publishing 2025
πŸ“‰
Groundwater drop (outskirts, 2024–25)
25 metres
BWSSB–IISc study: 110 villages beyond Outer Ring Road face 20–25m drops. Bengaluru South taluk fell ~15m in just 4 months (Dec 2023–Apr 2024). All 6 urban assessment units are classified "over-exploited" by CGWB.
Source: BWSSB–IISc study; Deccan Herald 2025
Groundwater table drop by zone β€” BWSSB–IISc Data (2024–25)

Approximate annual drop in water table. All zones classified "over-exploited" by CGWB.

Bengaluru South taluk ~15 m
Peripheral CMC zones & 110 ORR villages 10–15 m
Bengaluru North / East / Yelahanka ~6 m
Central Bengaluru (core BWSSB piped zone) ~5 m
Source: BWSSB–IISc Collaborative Study, 2025 | Deccan Herald, Feb 2025
If We Do Nothing

A Timeline of Consequences

What researchers, BWSSB, and IISc project if current trends continue unchecked. These are trajectories already in motion.

2026
80+ wards in regular water stress
BWSSB–IISc study identified 80 wards β€” primarily KR Puram, Mahadevapura β€” facing worsening groundwater declines every pre-monsoon. Tanker prices have already surged: β‚Ή2,850+ per 12,000L in borewell-dependent areas.
Happening now
2028
Demand surpasses all available supply
BWSSB planned for 2,900 MLD demand by 2031 β€” but current growth may bring that figure forward to 2028. Cauvery allocation is fixed at maximum 2,200 MLD. The remaining 1,500+ MLD gap has no identified source.
High risk
2030
City-wide water rationing becomes likely
Projected demand could reach 4,200–4,500 MLD before 2031. A single failed monsoon could trigger a city-wide crisis β€” BBC already ranked Bangalore 2nd globally among cities most likely to run out of drinking water.
Critical scenario
2030s
Temperatures rise 1.7–2.2Β°C above baseline
Karnataka State Action Plan on Climate Change projects a 1.7–2.2Β°C temperature rise. With only ~3% green cover remaining (down from 68% in the 1970s), the urban heat island effect will dramatically increase water demand further.
Climate-locked
2050
Drought incidence rises 10%, monsoons intensify
UNESCO projects drought incidence rising by up to 10% by 2050 for the Bengaluru region. Rainfall will concentrate in shorter, heavier monsoon bursts β€” but without lakes and groundwater to store it, most will run off into drains.
Long-term crisis
πŸ”„
But it doesn't have to be this way.
With aggressive RWH adoption, lake restoration, leak reduction, and community action, Bangalore can reverse these trends. Every lake saved, every pledge signed, every litre conserved matters.
Busting the Myths

What People Get Wrong

Misinformation delays action. Here are the most common myths about Bangalore's water crisis β€” and what the evidence actually shows.

Myth 01
"Bangalore gets enough rain β€” we don't need to worry."
Reality
Bangalore receives ~970mm of rain annually, but 93% flows off concretised surfaces into drains and out of the city. Without lakes and aquifers to store it, rain doesn't help. Harvesting just 10% of rainfall in the BMR could nearly double supply β€” but we're not capturing it.
Myth 02
"BWSSB and the government will fix this β€” it's not my problem."
Reality
BWSSB openly acknowledges it cannot meet current demand and has no new planned supply sources. The board deployed 1,700+ tankers in 2024 and still couldn't keep pace. Every household that conserves water, harvests rain, or fixes leaks directly reduces pressure on a system already at breaking point.
Myth 03
"Lakes are a thing of the past β€” the city has moved on."
Reality
Lakes recharge groundwater, regulate temperature, and prevent flooding. The revival of Kaikondrahalli, Jakkur, and Puttenahalli lakes proved restoration is entirely possible and delivers measurable groundwater benefits within years.
Myth 04
"My water usage is too small to make a difference."
Reality
Bangalore has ~13 million residents. If each person saved just 20 litres/day β€” a single shorter shower β€” that's 260 million litres saved daily. More than 17% of the entire daily deficit, solved by one habit change by every resident.
Myth 05
"Borewells are unlimited β€” we just need to drill deeper."
Reality
Borewells at 1,500 feet are tapping fossil water β€” ancient reserves that took thousands of years to accumulate and cannot be replenished within human timescales. Deeper drilling is not a solution; it accelerates the collapse.
Myth 06
"This only affects poorer or outer-ring areas."
Reality
During the 2024 crisis, even Bangalore's wealthiest residents showered at offices and gyms. Central areas with piped water faced restrictions; IT corridors scrambled for tankers. When the aquifer collapses, it collapses for everyone.
Lakes of Bangalore

Where the Water Bodies Stand

Bangalore's key lakes β€” from success stories of restoration to water bodies still in crisis. Click any lake to learn more.

Restored / healthy
Partially degraded
Severely polluted
Outer Ring Road City Centre N ↑ Jakkur Hebbal Ulsoor Sankey Kaikondrahalli Bellandur Varthur Madivala Puttenahalli Yele M.C. Hesaraghatta ~10 km (schematic)

Schematic map β€” approximate positions only. Click a lake to learn more.

Jakkur Lake
βœ“ Restored
North Bangalore. Managed by citizen-BBMP partnership since 2015. Supports 70 fishing families.
Bellandur Lake
⚠ Severely polluted
Bangalore's largest lake β€” has caught fire multiple times from sewage foam.
Kaikondrahalli Lake
βœ“ Model restoration
Once a garbage dump. Restored 2008–2012. National case study.
Hebbal Lake
◐ Partially restored
Some restoration work done but still faces sewage inflow and encroachment.
Puttenahalli Lake
βœ“ Citizen-restored
Adopted entirely by Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Trust. Thriving biodiversity.
Hope in Action

Restoration Success Stories

Proof that communities can bring Bangalore's lakes back β€” when citizens, government, and science work together.

🌿
βœ“ Restored
Kaikondrahalli Lake
By 2007, the 48-acre lake on Sarjapur Road was a slushy bed of sewage. In 2008, residents formed the MAPSAS trust, partnered with BBMP, and raised community funds to redesign the restoration around ecology. Water returned by 2012. Today it's a national urban commons case study cited by researchers worldwide.
β†’ Inspired restoration efforts at multiple downstream lakes in its cascade chain
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βœ“ Restored
Jakkur Lake
Constructed over 200 years ago, Jakkur had become a sewage and garbage dumping site by the 2000s. BBMP took over management with a citizen's group in 2015. A sewage treatment plant now ensures clean inflow. Today, 70 fishing families and 30 cattle owners depend on it.
β†’ BBMP calls it "an example of collective action β€” a node for social and scientific innovation"
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βœ“ Citizen-restored
Puttenahalli Lake
South Bangalore's Puttenahalli Lake was rescued entirely by the Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Trust β€” a resident-led group β€” with no initial government funding. Native plants, clean water, thriving fish and migratory birds now define this lake.
β†’ Demonstrates community adoption as a scalable model across Bangalore's remaining lakes
Know Your Usage

Your Water Footprint Calculator

How much water do you actually use? Adjust the sliders and see how you compare to Bangalore's average of 150 L/day.

Shower / bath duration 10 min
Toilet flushes per day 6 times
Drinking & cooking water 4 L
Washing dishes (per day) 20 L
Laundry (loads per week) 3 loads
Gardening / outdoor (per day) 20 L
Vehicle wash (per week) 1 wash
142
litres per day
Bangalore average is ~150 L/day. You are close to average.
Efficiency grade
B
Room to improve
Breakdown
🚿 Shower/bath120 L
🚽 Toilet flushes48 L
🍳 Drinking & cooking4 L
🍽 Dishes20 L
πŸ‘— Laundry21 L
🌱 Garden/outdoor20 L
πŸš— Vehicle wash23 L
BWSSB per capita norm: 150 L/day Β· India average: 135 L/day Β· WHO minimum: 50 L/day
Save Water

Small Changes, Massive Impact

If 13 million residents each saved 20L/day, that's 260 million litres β€” wiping out 17% of the daily deficit. Start here.

🚿
Shorter Showers
A 10-minute shower uses 100–150L. A bucket bath uses 15–20L. Cut shower time to 5 minutes. One of the highest-impact daily habit changes you can make immediately.
Saves ~80–130 L/day
πŸͺ£
Fix Leaks Immediately
A tap dripping once per second wastes 11,000+ litres/year. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200L daily. BWSSB banned use of drinking water for washing vehicles in March 2024 β€” the crisis is real.
Saves up to 200 L/day
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Harvest Rainwater
Bangalore gets ~970mm rain/year. A 100mΒ² roof harvests ~97,000 litres annually. BWSSB mandates RWH for buildings above 30Γ—40 sq ft β€” yet collected β‚Ή2.7 crore in fines for non-compliance in January 2025 alone.
Saves lakhs of litres/year
🌱
Water-Wise Gardening
Water plants at dawn or dusk. Use drip irrigation (90% efficient vs 60% sprinkler). Choose native Karnataka plants β€” Bougainvillea, Nerium, Neem β€” that thrive without extra watering.
Saves ~50–80 L/day
πŸš—
Smarter Vehicle Wash
A hosepipe wash uses 150–200L. Two buckets uses 15–20L. That's a 10Γ— reduction for one simple swap. BWSSB banned drinking water for vehicle washing during the 2024 crisis.
Saves ~170–180 L/wash
♻️
Reuse Greywater
Water from rinsing vegetables, rice-washing, or final laundry rinses can water your garden or clean floors. Don't let water that's clean enough for non-potable use disappear down the drain.
Saves ~40–60 L/day
NSS in Action

Our Initiatives

The NSS unit is on the ground in Bangalore β€” building awareness, supporting infrastructure, and empowering communities to act before it's too late.

01
Lake Awareness & Clean-Up Drives
NSS volunteers participate in awareness walks and clean-up events at Bangalore's surviving lakes β€” removing waste, engaging encroachers, and spreading awareness about the ecological importance of water bodies. We align with BBMP lake rejuvenation programmes and citizen-led groups.
● Active
02
School & College Water Awareness Programme
Interactive water conservation sessions at schools and colleges β€” covering Bangalore's crisis, practical actions students can take, and hands-on water audit activities. Poster competitions and quizzes help students become advocates at home.
● Active
03
Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) Compliance Campaign
BWSSB mandates RWH for properties above 30Γ—40 sq ft, yet β‚Ή2.7 crore in fines were collected in January 2025 alone for non-compliance. We help residents understand the mandate, find compliant installers, and see RWH as an investment, not a burden.
● Active
04
Free Household Water Audit Outreach
Trained NSS volunteers conduct free household water audits β€” identifying leaking taps, wasteful appliances, and high-usage patterns. Simple, actionable reports are shared with families to help cut consumption and lower water bills.
● Active
05
Multilingual Street Outreach Campaign
Street plays, posters, and pamphlets in Kannada, English, Hindi, and Tamil β€” reaching all communities with conservation messaging. Special focus on borewell-dependent areas identified in the BWSSB–IISc study as highest-risk zones.
β—Ž Upcoming β€” July 2026
Our Institution

NSS Unit β€” Cambridge Institute of Technology

This campaign is driven by students and volunteers of the NSS unit at CIT Bangalore, committed to community welfare and environmental action.

Cambridge Institute of Technology
KR Puram, Bengaluru, Karnataka Β· Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU)
120+
Active NSS volunteers
18
Community drives conducted
6,400+
People reached through outreach
8
Schools covered in awareness sessions
πŸ’§
Lake Clean-Up Drives
Volunteers have participated in clean-up and awareness walks at Jakkur, Hebbal, and surrounding water bodies β€” coordinating with BBMP and local citizen groups.
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School Outreach Sessions
Interactive water conservation sessions conducted at 8 schools in KR Puram and Mahadevapura β€” areas classified as highest-risk for groundwater depletion by the BWSSB–IISc study.
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RWH Awareness & Compliance Help
Door-to-door outreach in residential areas explaining BWSSB's rainwater harvesting mandate, connecting residents with compliant installers, and dispelling misconceptions about cost.
πŸ”
Free Household Water Audits
Trained NSS volunteers visit homes to identify leaking taps, wasteful habits, and opportunities to reduce consumption β€” with simple reports provided to each family.
🎭
Multilingual Street Campaigns
Street plays and pamphlet distribution in Kannada, English, Hindi, and Tamil β€” bringing the water crisis conversation directly to markets, bus stops, and public spaces.
πŸ“Š
Digital Awareness Campaign
This website, social media outreach, and digital content created by CIT students to reach younger Bangaloreans and build momentum for the water pledge movement.
Take a Stand

Sign the Water Pledge

Commit to saving water every day. Your pledge joins Bangaloreans choosing to act before it's too late.

β€”
Bangaloreans have pledged
Live
"I pledge to conserve water in my daily life β€” to fix leaks, reduce waste, support rainwater harvesting, and raise awareness β€” because I believe that water is a right, not a commodity, and Bangalore's future depends on the choices we make today."
βœ… Thank you for pledging! You are now part of Bangalore's water movement. Share this page with three friends β€” that's how movements grow.

Have an idea to save water, restore a lake, or improve our campaign? Share it β€” we read every suggestion.

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People who have pledged to conserve water across Bangalore.
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Get Involved

Join the Movement

Volunteer with us, collaborate on a campaign, or bring our awareness programme to your school or apartment complex. Every person who joins amplifies our impact.

βœ… Message received! We'll be in touch within a few days. Thank you for wanting to help.
πŸŽ“
NSS Unit
National Service Scheme (NSS)
Cambridge Institute of Technology
KR Puram, Bengaluru, Karnataka
πŸ“£
Volunteer for
Lake clean-up drives Β· School sessions Β· Street campaigns Β· Water audits Β· Digital outreach Β· RWH awareness
⏰
Commitment
Flexible β€” even 2 hours a month creates real, measurable impact. No prior experience needed. Just the will to act.
🏫
Bring us to your school / RWA
We conduct free water awareness sessions, audits, and RWH workshops for schools, colleges, and resident welfare associations across Bangalore.