As Bengaluru battles another water crisis, an exhibition reveals not just what went wrong, but how collective memory, citizen action, and ecological wisdom can still offer a way forward
Bengaluru is facing yet another water crisis, exacerbated by rapid urbanisation. The exponential growth of the city — in 2025, its population is estimated to be at 14,395,000, a 2.76% increase from 2024 — has led to a strain on its water resources. In 2024, Bengaluru recorded a 100% groundwater extraction, according to a report by the Central Groundwater Board. Besides this, lakes have been encroached upon and rajakaluves (stormwater drains) concretised.
The city is primarily dependent on two sources of water: Cauvery water supply and borewells dug by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is in charge of supplying this water. However, borewells are running dry and people are depending on water tankers to meet their daily needs.
As of now, the state government is offering only short-term measures, like penalising for digging illegal borewells and non-drinking water use of Cauvery water as well as controlling rising private tanker costs through the Sanchari Cauvery initiative. However, the city needs not only more citizen awareness but also better long-term, holistic solutions.
An exhibition, titled ‘Waterscapes of Bengaluru: Flows & Futures of Our City’s Rivers & Lakes,’ currently on view at Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological (VIT) Museum, offers a deep insight into the city’s interconnected water systems, which comprise rivers, lakes, tanks and open wells.
The exhibition has been organised by VIT Museum and Paani Earth Foundation that started Paani.Earth, an initiative to bring together data, information and analysis to save rivers. The exhibition also brings together the contributions of several Bengaluru-based institutions, experts, and citizen groups that have worked for years on water issues.
An informative, interactive exhibition
Jyoti Mehra, curator at VIT Museum, says: “To help visitors better understand Bengaluru’s water systems, the exhibition takes them on a journey through the city’s evolving waterscapes — from traditional water wisdom to present-day challenges. It showcases archival reports and how key policy level decisions were taken over time.”
The exhibition has been organised by VIT Museum and Paani Earth Foundation that started Paani.Earth, an initiative to bring together data, information and analysis to save rivers.
To make the exhibition both informative and interactive, the exhibits range from digital interactives, games, and puzzles to hands-on water-based activities, designed to create awareness through play and participation. “We have tried to keep the information balanced, ensuring the visitors grasp the issues well,” says Jyoti.
Also read: Bengaluru water crisis: Govt works out alternatives, imposes strict curbs
While the exhibition presents the realities of the present water crisis, Jyoti says it also celebrates the revival of water systems over the years. “The efforts of various institutions and individuals in this regard are living blueprints for a future where water is co-owned, co-managed, and co-created by all,” she adds.
Rivers that flow through Bengaluru
One of the most significant issues, highlighted in the exhibition, is the importance of the rivers that flow through the city — Vrishabhavathi, Arkavathi, and Dakshina Pinakini. The Vrishabhavathi River originates in Bengaluru and flows through Bengaluru Urban. It is said to have provided for all of Western Bengaluru’s water needs at one time. The Arkavathi River and the Dakshina Pinakini River pass through Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural districts.
These rivers play a crucial role in the city’s ecological balance. Lakes and rajakaluves are all parts of the river, which flow downstream and come back as food and water. Unfortunately today, they are in a derelict condition, heavily polluted and encroached upon, often mistaken for drains and open sewers.
How did the disconnect start?
Bengalureans of the 1970s and 1980s were well connected to the Vrishabhavathi River, but now remember it only as a drain. Over the last few decades, citizens’ connection with the city’s water systems has become weak. “The disconnect with our water systems started when we began drawing water 100 km away from the Cauvery River,” says Madhuri Mandava, Trustee at Paani Earth Foundation.
Jakkur Lake. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
“One of the exhibits features a graphic novel, Whose River Is It Anyway? by Kadambari Komandur and Namrata Narendra, which delves into the collective memories, lived experiences and imaginations of the people who live and work along the Vrishabhavathi, allowing the river’s voice to be heard through the stories of those who have lived with her, who have thrived and struggled alongside her,” says Madhuri.
She stresses that the exhibition is not just about problems with our water systems or what has been lost. “It is much more than that. It is about how citizens could be part of the solution. Exhibits about the revival of our existing water systems show how results can be achieved, from the K-100 Project to the Million Wells Campaign to lake rejuvenation projects and urban wetland protection.”
Notable restoration projects
Biome Environmental Trust’s Million Wells Campaign aims to dig a million (10 lakh recharge wells), encouraging citizens to collectively manage and conserve groundwater. The campaign also seeks to revive and support the livelihoods of traditional well diggers.
Also read: Power of recycling: How Bengaluru overcame its acute water crisis
The K-100 Project aims to restore rajakaluves as an integral part of the waterway system, making it more accessible to the public. An initiative by the BBMP, with the concept developed by architect and urban expert Naresh Narasimhan of MOD Foundation, and BWSSB, The K 100 project covers 12 km, from Shantala Silk Junction in Majestic Bus Stand to Koramangala in BTM, draining into Bellandur Lake. It is expected to be opened soon. There is also the Boson Whitewater system that treats STP water to make it potable enough for industrial purposes. There have also been several robust citizen initiatives to rejuvenate lakes.
While these initiatives are a step in a positive direction, the issue is largely with ad hoc, inconsistent government interventions and lack of proper implementation. “Penalising the use of Cauvery water for non-potable purposes is tough to implement since it is difficult to ascertain where it is being used,” says Madhuri. There is also the question of equity; slums, in particular, receive inadequate water supply while water is abundantly available for industries and the privileged. Madhuri says: “The government in this case should ensure fair share for all.”
Waterscapes of Bengaluru: Flows & Futures of Our City's Rivers & Lakes will be on display at VIT Museum till August 15.
