Bengaluru's Blue Heartbeat: Rejuvenating the Arkavathy River

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced the formation of an expert committee to spearhead the rejuvenation of the Arkavathy River through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Once the primary drinking water source for Bengaluru via the Tippagondanahalli (TG Halli) reservoir (1936–2000), the 53-km river—originating in Nandi Hills and covering a 1,400 sq km basin—now suffers from severe ecological degradation.

Despite plans to merge Yettinahole water with Arkavathy at TG Halli, rapid industrialization, unchecked wastewater discharge, and environmental neglect have rendered the reservoir’s water unfit for consumption. In response, multiple stakeholders—including government agencies, civic bodies, NGOs, and academic institutions—will collaborate on the restoration effort.

BWSSB Chairman Ramprasat Manohar V. noted that IDECK has already begun a comprehensive study in areas like Hesaraghatta, Madanayakanahalli, and parts of BBMP, laying the foundation for the project. Highlighting that BWSSB’s jurisdiction covers only 15% of the river basin, he emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration. The upcoming expert panel will comprise specialists from diverse fields to guide this critical ecological initiative.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.