Work From Home- A Solution to Tackle Water Crisis?

In the wake of the ongoing water crisis in Bengaluru, IT employees have a special request for Karnataka Chief Minister. Bengaluru, the hub of the IT industry, has been facing a sever water crisis over the last few weeks as temperatures began to rise. Locals are resorting to social media and tagging Siddaramaiah shouting work from home requests. 

The employees want the CM to ensure that the IT companies provide them with the option of work from home and allow schools to start online classes. The question is why they can't adopt this strategy that was useful during the COVID pandemic, cannot be used to solve the current water crisis.  It is argued widely over social media that this move will benefit all, not only providing relief to employees from scorching sun but also conserve precious water during a crisis. They also argue that many people will head back to their hometowns reducing the overall water demand in urban areas of Bengaluru.

"Please instruct corporate offices to give mandatory Work from Home & Online classes for students till June end in Bengaluru due to #BengaluruWaterCrisis

Most corporate sector areas are facing severe water shortage in the city but not the traditional residential areas. So, it's time to reduce the burden.

Even March is going to end on the dry side with no pre monsoon showers in sight as of now," @Bnglrweatherman wrote on 'X'.

Hon @CMofKarnataka @siddaramaiah, DCM @DKShivakumar & Min @PriyankKharge

Please instruct corporate offices to give mandatory Work from Home & Online classes for students till June end in Bengaluru due to #BengaluruWaterCrisis

Most corporate sector areas are facing severe water…

— Karnataka Weather (@Bnglrweatherman) March 11, 2024

Bengaluru has been facing a severe water crisis due to underground water depletion and drought in the Cauvery basin. The city usually requires 1,450 MLD of water from the Cauvery and an additional 700 MLD, but both the sources are dry.  It has had an impact on apartments, schools, fire brigades and workspaces. Local residents are facing problems in booking water tankers causing difficulties. 

"WATER CRISIS - Online Classes & Work from Home? If students & employees are allowed to work from home, many will go back to their hometowns, reducing pressure on city!"@BengaluruAgenda wrote in a post.

WATER CRISIS - Online Classes & Work from Home? If students & employees are allowed to work from home, many will go back to their hometowns, reducing pressure on city!#WaterEmergency #DesperateTimes @CMofKarnataka @DKShivakumar @siddaramaiah @IndiaTodayhttps://t.co/CoQPPE9bnn

— Citizens' Agenda for Bengaluru (@BengaluruAgenda) March 7, 2024

The Karnataka government has intervened by taking over water tankers and standardizing rates. However, experts attribute the current crisis to factors like underground water depletion and inefficient water management systems.

Also Read: Innovative Protest by Manikonda Residents Over Water Scarcity