Water crisis likely to hit Bengaluru, experts say at City University Expo
Bengaluru: Concerns over an impending water crisis in Bengaluru took centre stage at the Bengaluru Water Expo-2026, held at Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University on February 9, where academics and experts cautioned that the city is fast approaching a tipping point due to unsustainable water use.
Addressing the WEEHtec–2026 technical exhibition and conference on water, energy, environment and health, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ramesh B. said Bengaluru’s current water practices had pushed it into a precarious position. Stressing that water is essential for both life and livelihoods, he warned that prolonged neglect and mismanagement have placed the city in what he described as a “dangerous situation”.
Prof. T.G. Seetharam, former head of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), stated that water security should be promoted alongside food security. He also advocated for the implementation of rainwater collecting and structured wastewater reuse, stating that these techniques are critical to meeting future demands and minimizing reliance on overburdened sources, according to The Hindu.
Dr. A. Narayanaswamy, Technical Chairperson, noted the interconnected challenges of climate change, pollution, and reckless use of natural resources, linking them to rising public health risks.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
