Urban Water Security: Geospatial Insights into the Water Scarcity of Bengaluru City during 2023–2024

With a teeming population and rapid urban expansion, water demands in large cities are increasing multi-fold. Coping up with such large demands, especially during the post-monsoon season, poses a significant challenge to the line departments. The problem is exacerbated by the depleting ground water levels resulting from high withdrawals exceeding the recharge by large proportions. Bengaluru city, India, is experiencing a shortage of water during the post-monsoon of 2023-24. The present study employed the satellite data based geospatial products and hydrological modelling to analyse the water scarcity manifested in Bengaluru and southern districts of Karnataka. Rainfall and runoff analysis revealed the deviations from long-term average conditions, during 2023-24, leading to decreased surface water runoff, lower inflows into reservoirs/water bodies & reduced water availability during 2023-24. Assessment of inflow patterns into key reservoirs underscores the impact of reduced runoff on water storage. Analysis of water spread dynamics and crop water stress using satellite data highlights the anomalies & severity of the scarcity. The findings underscore the need to use in-season satellite data & geospatial inputs for improved water management strategies and sustainable development practices to ensure urban water security.