Building Bengaluru's water future: identifying challenges and a strategic blueprint for sustainable management

ABSTRACT Bengaluru is grappling with a severe water crisis, intensified by rapid urbanisation and ageing infrastructure. This study adopts a data-driven, mixed-methods approach – combining interviews with key stakeholders (government officials, NGOs, and community leaders) and quantitative analysis of supply-demand trends, financial data, and climate projections – to evaluate the city's water management system. Our findings reveal a 30% water loss due to leakage, largely from outdated infrastructure, and highlight the financial unsustainability of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). The study also points to weak enforcement of water conservation norms. In response, we propose a multi-pronged action plan featuring advanced leak detection technologies, tiered water tariffs, and stronger governance mechanisms. Drawing from global case studies in Singapore, London, and Cape Town, we emphasise the importance of integrating technology, engaging communities, and tailoring policies for local contexts. The study advocates for a collaborative governance model with public-private partnerships and active citizen participation to address systemic inefficiencies. By improving infrastructure, enforcing conservation, and building institutional capacity, Bengaluru can create a more resilient urban water system. Our recommendations aim to guide policymakers and urban planners in securing long-term water sustainability amid growing environmental and demographic pressures.