Bangalore water crisis: Indian expats mull relocating their families
The IT hub of India, Bangalore, is grappling with an alarming water crisis, leaving its residents anxious and concerned. Bangaloreans residing in the UAE have expressed deep concern for their families back home. With the situation worsening every day, many UAEbased Bangaloreans are considering various options to ensure the well-being of their loved ones.
Shahbaz Ali, managing director of Reliance Aluminium and Glass LLC, said: “The water problem in Bangalore has been ever-growing. Currently, the shortage of water is a major concern”. Ali lives in Bangalore's HRBR layout.
“We live in a neighbourhood that does not have a water scarcity problem for now. However, we are bracing for summer as we may face issues,” said Ali, adding that his relatives who live in the suburbs have to buy water in limited quantities every day. “Many of my relatives living in Whitefield, Mahadevpura, and near HAL are facing a lot of issues and have to call for water tanker for their daily needs,” he said.
Ali's family resides in the UAE and travels every five months to Bangalore. “However, we have decided to stay in the UAE for a few more months this time,” he said.
With the situation in Bangalore worsening, many Uae-based Bangaloreans are considering options. While some are contemplating relocating their families to ancestral homes in nearby towns or villages, others are exploring the possibility of bringing them to the UAE.
Rajesh Kumar, a corporate lawyer living in Dubai, said: “It's heartbreaking to see my hometown struggle with such a basic necessity. I'm seriously considering relocating my parents here,” Kumar said.
Priya Chandran, an engineer residing in Dubai Hills, is exploring alternative solutions. “We are looking at installing rainwater harvesting systems and water purification units at our residence in Bangalore. During the installation process in summer, my parents and other family members may visit the UAE for a few months or travel to the US, where my brother lives,” she said.
“When the rainwater system is installed, we will have a water supply at least for eight months,” said Chandran, who has a property in Dollars Colony.
The water problem has even prompted families to reduced their water usage, opting for shorter showers and using recycled water for household chores. Some have even resorted to purchasing water from private tankers, at exorbitant prices. Syed Ishrath, property consultant at Castle and Keys said: “We have stopped using our car frequently as each wash consumes precious water. We have minimised the frequency of laundry, opting to wash clothes at specific intervals instead of daily. Additionally, shower times have been drastically reduced to conserve water”.