From Scarcity to Sustainability: Water Management in Green Construction in Bengaluru, Karnataka

Water is a vital resource for any nation's growth, well-being, and sustainability. But since less than 1% of the freshwater on Earth is easily used by humans, managing water resources effectively and fairly is a major problem, particularly in areas that are developing quickly. India's semi-arid state of Karnataka depends significantly on groundwater to supply its industry, agriculture, and population. Severe water stress has resulted from this reliance, unpredictable rainfall, and increased urbanisation. A significant approach to deal with water constraint is green construction, which incorporates environmental sustainability into building design and operation. This study analyzes sustainable water management within the framework of green building practice in Karnataka with Bengaluru as a case study given its high-urbanization development and pressing water issues. Using a mixed-method research methodology, the study uses primary data from a Google Forms survey of over 100 residents of Bengaluru housing societies along with secondary sources. The research investigated the awareness, problems faced, and suggestions of employing sustainable water. The research identifies economic, environmental, and social benefits to be linked to the employment of sustainable water interventions, which comprise improved efficiency in water utilization, cost-saving, and participation of people. Simultaneously, the study points out critical impediments raised by the issue of inadequate provisioning of funds, insufficient technical professionals, and existing policy gaps. The paper sums up with real-world suggestions regarding policy reform, capacity building, and public outreach in enhancing Karnataka's water resilience and contributing to the meaningful realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Water is a critical resource for the survival and progress of any nation, yet the availability of usable freshwater is extremely limited.