What are the primary drivers of freshwater scarcity in megacities like Bangalore and Hyderabad? Suggest comprehensive solutions that address both supply and demand aspects of urban water management.

Primary Drivers in Mega Cities

(1) Population : Cities are overcrowded this increases per capita demand → 35% of population → urban areas. (2) Climate Change : cities are facing the brunt of climate change increasing scarcity (3) Lack of access to fresh water : cities like Bangalore do not lie near any river/pond (4) Industry : demands of freshwater deplete the already existing scarce resources → 1/6th of our ground water resources are over exploited (CGWA) (5) Encroachments on wetlands & lakes has decreased fresh water supply.

(4) Bangalore has lost nearly 80% of its wetlands.

(6) Governance deficits : leakages, tanker mafias and poor waste water recycling.

Comprehensive Solutions

Demand side (1) individuals should use water efficient faucets. (2) focus on treatment of waste water for reuse (3) mandatory rain water harvesting (4) industries should focus on water neutrality

Supply side (1) explore traditional water harvesting techniques. (2) invest in creating blue-green infrastructure @ sponge cities. (3) investing waste treatment plants using high tech technologies @ Phytoroid method. (4) separate storm water, waste water and soil water drainage (5) invest in building canals to address shortage @ Malwa canal (PB) (6) explore cloud seeding to address immediate scarcities (7) governance reforms

• empowerment ULBs with funds functions & functionaries
• fill vacancies in SPCB.