Bangalore, often hailed as India’s Silicon Valley, stands as a testament to rapid urbanization and development. However, beneath the glittering facade of IT parks and modern infrastructure lies a critical issue that plagues several parts of the city—water scarcity. Pragathi Nagar, Basapura, Chikka Thogur, and surrounding areas, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), have been grappling with severe water shortages for years. This issue, which impacts thousands of residents, underscores the larger problem of inadequate urban planning and the lack of political will to address basic infrastructural needs.

The irony is stark when one considers Bangalore’s history, particularly during the reign of Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV of the Mysore dynasty. Often referred to as the “Modern Architect of Mysore,” the Maharaja was a visionary ruler who placed immense importance on town planning and infrastructure development. His reign saw the creation of some of Bangalore’s most well-planned areas, such as Jayanagar and Rajajinagar, which continue to be celebrated examples of urban planning. Furthermore, his foresight in constructing the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam across the Kaveri River not only provided irrigation water for multiple districts but also supplied drinking water and electricity, benefiting both urban and rural populations.

In stark contrast, the current situation in Pragathi Nagar and Basapura highlights the failure of contemporary governance. Despite being part of a major metropolitan city, these areas are still dependent on private water suppliers for their daily needs. The lack of a sustainable and affordable water supply is a glaring issue that BBMP has been unable to address effectively. The rapid expansion of Bangalore’s boundaries under BBMP, driven more by revenue generation and vote-bank politics than by thoughtful planning, has only exacerbated the problem.

The residents of these areas have now taken it upon themselves to monitor the progress of water supply initiatives actively, a task that ideally should have been managed by the authorities. Water, a fundamental human need, remains a luxury in these parts of Bangalore, showcasing a clear disconnect between the city’s growth and the provision of essential services.

Reflecting on the planning during Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV’s time, it is evident that the lack of foresight in today’s urban planning and governance is taking a heavy toll on the citizens of Bangalore. The water crisis in Pragathi Nagar and Basapura is not just a local issue but a symptom of a broader systemic failure. It is high time that the lessons from the past, particularly the Maharaja’s visionary approach to infrastructure, are revisited to build a sustainable future for all residents of Bangalore.