Summer's here, city braces for water, power woes

This summer, India Meteorological Department has forecast a further rise in temperature with periodic thundershowers in Bengaluru and parts of south interior Karnataka.

The city on Wednesday recorded a maximum of 34° Celsius, against 33.6° Celsius on Tuesday and 36° Celsius on Sunday.

Sundar M Metri, director-in-charge, IMD-Bengaluru, told DH cloudy skies and thundershowers are expected in the coming days. “When humidity increases and there is moisture in the air, clouds are formed, which lead to thundershowers. After that, the temperature starts to soar again,” he explained.

He said the discomfort is due to dry weather and lack of wind. While the humidity level is 49%, wind speed is three knots. Increasing concretisation is also causing a slight increase in temperature, he said.

Though the energy department claims that there is sufficient power to meet the summer needs, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) officials warn of power cuts due to maintenance work.

“Though we have sufficient power, the existing infrastructure needs to be upgraded. KPTCL has started work on improving cables and adding transformers. Because of these ongoing works, there will be power cuts,” a Bescom official said and advised people to use power wisely.

Water crisis likely
Kemparamaiah, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) engineer-in-chief said there will be no water problem till May and the city will get the standard 1,350 mld of water. “After that, rains are expected. But if they fail, then there could be problems. In such a situation, we may have to take a contingency decision,” he said.

The BWSSB has sought more water tankers to meet the increasing demand. The BWSSB has 60 tankers and will hire 100 more. Orders have been issued to drill 100 borewells in the city, Kemparamaiah added.

Expensive tankers
With increasing demand this year, rates for tankers have increased from Rs 300 to Rs 600 this year, said Narasimhaiah, assistant executive engineer, Bengaluru Central.

However, the rates of private tankers depend on the area. While it is around Rs 600 to Rs 700 in areas like Jayanagar, it shoots up to Rs 800 in Nagarbhavi and up to Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 in north Bengaluru. “There is no water around, but the demand is high, especially from apartments and commercial complexes. Since we have to fetch water from far off places, the rates are high this year,” said Nanjundaiah, a supplier in Yelahanka.

Doctors’ advice
With increasing temperature and change in weather, doctors are seeing a rise in cases of dehydration, heat stroke, viral infections, gastroenteritis and chronic fatigue syndrome. They advise people to stay indoors, have home-cooked food and consume a lot of water. People are also advised to carry umbrellas or wear caps when they step out.

Dr A Jayarajan, senior physician, Hosmat hospital said gastroenteritis is common in summer since people tend to consume juices and cut fruits outside. People have been told to consume boiled and cooled water. Respiratory problems, cold and cough are also seen due to increased pollution.

Dr H Paramesh, director, paediatric pulmonologist, Lakeside Hospital, said the best remedy for summer is to have lots of tender coconut water as it has a good natural blend of sweet and salt. The number of H1N1 cases are few, but other viral infections are reported.

Consuming a lot of fluids and washing hands regularly is advised.
DH News Service

Rise In Power Consumption
Already a peak load of 4,900 MW reached as against anticipated 4,300 MW.
Power cuts likely in the guise of repair works.

Water demand
City’s water requirement 1,350 million litres a day.
According to BWSSB, a person requires 35 litres of water a day.
Three lakh borewells in the city.
7,900 borewells belong to BWSSB.
BWSSB has 9.28 lakh connections
Groundwater level ranges from 800 feet to 1,600 feet.

Tankers expensive
Tanker prices has doubled from Rs 300 to Rs 600.

Health risks
Dehydration, heat stroke, viral infections, gastroenteritis and cases of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Temperatures
Normal maximum for March is 33° Celsius.
Hottest temperature in March is 37.3° C (March 29, 1996).