Bengaluru: The World Bank has approved a $426 million programme to strengthen water security and flood resilience in Bengaluru, targeting major gaps in the city’s water infrastructure and climate preparedness.
On 23 June, the World Bank’s board of executive directors cleared funding for the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Program, aimed at restoring 183 lakes and reducing the impact of heavy rainfall. These lakes, which once functioned as natural drainage buffers, will be rehabilitated under the project.
The programme includes the construction of nine sewage treatment plants (STPs) to curb the flow of untreated sewage into the lakes and stormwater drains. Treated wastewater will be reused for industrial activities and to recharge groundwater sources in and around Bengaluru.
The initiative will be financed through a $426 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). The loan has a 20-year maturity period with a five-year grace period.
In a first for the city, the programme will also connect 100,000 households to the sewerage network, improving access to basic sanitation infrastructure in underserved areas. According to the World Bank, the effort will also support upgrades to ageing water pipelines and introduce smart water metering systems to enhance service efficiency and resource management.
The World Bank estimates the initiative will mobilise around $5 million in private capital and increase revenue for the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). It will also encourage the use of digital tools for better water resource monitoring and billing.
In collaboration with the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), the programme will enhance early flood warning systems and develop advanced computer-based flood simulations. These tools are expected to help predict flood-prone areas in the city more accurately and reduce annual losses, which have averaged over $1.2 billion since 2009.
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