As one of Bengaluru’s leading real estate developers, we at Bricks & Milestones are deeply committed to the sustainable management of water resources in our city. Though a crisis in water supplies hit the headlines this year and brought the issue into stark contrast, the management and sustenance of natural water resources has been a concern we have been working to address since our inception.
The crisis in Bengaluru has been exacerbated by factors such as lower-than-normal rainfall and the nature of underground aquifers. The city’s demand for freshwater stands at approximately 2,700 million litres per day (MLD), with almost half of this demand met by groundwater. However, the rapid urban expansion and over-reliance on borewells have led to falling groundwater levels.
In this context, the lakes of Bengaluru play a crucial role in preserving the water table. These lakes, part of a larger historical network, were human-made structures designed to store water from the monsoon season. They not only serve as reservoirs but also recharge the groundwater, making them vital for the city’s water management. With a network of over 300 lakes that have maintained this delicate balance over the years, it is now up to us to preserve what we have and plan ahead for the natural expansion of a metropolis.
For instance, Sankey Tank and Ulsoor Lake, among others, are popular lakes in the city maintained by the State Forest Department that offer recreational activities like boating and serve as habitats for diverse bird species. As a responsible real estate company, we understand the importance of these lakes and are committed to their preservation. We ensure that our projects do not disrupt the natural water bodies and work towards their conservation. At our latest project located on Devanahalli-Doddaballapur Road, Lagos, we have Sonnapanahalli lake on-site which we’re committed to preserve for upcoming generations. We have also undertaken a project to construct a human-made lake at our upcoming resort, which will be located adjacent to Lagos, further bolstering the existing water table in this region.
The government, too, is taking significant steps to address the water shortage. The Karnataka government has allocated ₹556 crore to tackle the crisis. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is also working on several initiatives, including restoring the city’s groundwater supplies by injecting purified water into drying lakes.
Moreover, the government has partnered with the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) Bengaluru, which counts Bricks & Milestones as a member, to supply treated water to construction sites and large housing societies. We also implement rainwater harvesting measures at all our projects to align with our commitment to sustainable water management.
In conclusion, while the water crisis in Bengaluru is a significant challenge, it is one that we, as a real estate company, are committed to addressing. By working in tandem with government efforts and prioritising the preservation of our city’s lakes, we aim to contribute to a sustainable water future for our city. We are proud to say that none of our completed projects on Sarjapura Road, from New Dawn to Wonderwall and Felicity have suffered any issues with water shortage thanks to our efforts. Visit our projects to find out more about how we go about conserving one of our most precious resources.
