Bengaluru Takes a Strategic Step Towards Water Sustainability
In a significant move to address its water challenges, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has established a high-level expert committee. This panel is specifically tasked with boosting the reuse of treated water in the city, a critical strategy for sustainable water management.
Composition and Mandate of the New Committee
The committee will be headed by a retired professor from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), bringing top-tier academic and technical expertise to the table. According to an official order, this body will function as an advisory and coordinating body. Its primary roles include developing comprehensive strategies, recommending advanced and suitable technologies for water treatment and reuse, and facilitating collaboration among various stakeholders.
The formation of this committee, as reported, was confirmed on 24 November 2025. The BWSSB's initiative underscores a proactive approach to managing Bengaluru's water resources more effectively and building resilience against future shortages.
Implications for Bengaluru's Water Future
This decision marks a pivotal shift towards a circular water economy for India's tech capital. By focusing on treated water reuse, the city aims to reduce its dependence on freshwater sources like the Cauvery river and groundwater. This is expected to alleviate the stress on these conventional sources, which have been under immense strain due to rapid urbanization and recurring droughts.
The committee's work in facilitating stakeholder collaboration is crucial. It will likely involve bringing together government agencies, industrial consumers, real estate developers, and residential communities to create a unified front in the city's sustainable water management efforts. The recommendations on technology will guide investments in modern treatment plants and distribution systems for recycled water, which can be used for non-potable purposes like irrigation, industrial cooling, and flushing.
This expert panel represents a concrete step in translating policy into action. Its success could set a benchmark for other Indian metropolitan cities grappling with similar water security issues, positioning Bengaluru as a leader in urban water innovation.
