In a significant move to address water scarcity and promote sustainable practices, Bengaluru's massive Peenya Industrial Area is set to receive a dedicated supply of high-quality treated water. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has initiated a project to provide 20 million liters per day (MLD) of treated wastewater to the industrial hub, a major step towards reducing the strain on precious groundwater and Cauvery river water.
A New Water Source for a Major Industrial Hub
The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), will see treated water from the BWSSB's Vrishabhavathi Valley Tertiary Treatment Plant being piped to Peenya. This plant is known for its advanced treatment processes that produce water suitable for non-potable industrial use. The project's foundation stone was laid recently, marking the commencement of on-ground work for this crucial infrastructure.
Peenya, one of Asia's largest industrial areas, houses thousands of manufacturing and engineering units. These industries have historically depended heavily on groundwater and the municipal Cauvery supply for their operations. The new scheme is designed to offer a reliable, sustainable, and high-quality alternative, directly tackling the region's acute water stress.
Project Details and Implementation Timeline
The project involves laying a dedicated pipeline network spanning approximately 14.5 kilometers to transport the treated water from the plant to the industrial zone. An official from the BWSSB confirmed that the board has already commenced the pipeline laying work. The total estimated cost for this ambitious project is around Rs 146 crore.
Authorities have outlined a clear timeline for the project's completion. The entire system, including the pipeline network and necessary distribution infrastructure within Peenya, is expected to be operational and ready to supply water within 18 months. This means industries in the area could start receiving this new water source by late 2025 or early 2026.
Benefits and Long-Term Impact
The implications of this project are far-reaching for Bengaluru's water security and industrial health. Firstly, it will substantially reduce the extraction of groundwater by Peenya industries, helping to recharge the depleting aquifers in the region. Secondly, it will free up millions of liters of potable Cauvery water every day for domestic use in the growing city, optimizing the allocation of a scarce resource.
For the industries themselves, the scheme promises a consistent and potentially cost-effective water supply, insulating them from seasonal shortages and stringent regulations on groundwater use. It represents a major stride towards a circular economy model, where wastewater is recovered, treated, and reused, closing the water loop. This initiative could serve as a blueprint for other industrial clusters across India facing similar water challenges.
By investing in such reclaimed water projects, Bengaluru is not just solving an immediate crisis but is also building resilience against future droughts and water shortages, ensuring its industrial backbone remains robust and sustainable.
