Anand Mahindra Shares Video on How to Collect and Reuse AC Water Amid Raging Bengaluru Water Crisis
In the heart of Bengaluru’s ongoing water crisis, industrialist Anand Mahindra has emerged as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Sharing a compelling video on X, Mahindra highlighted the pressing need for ‘standard equipment’ to conserve and reuse water from air conditioners. This initiative comes at a crucial time when Bengaluru, known as the Silicon Valley of India, grapples with an acute water shortage, underscoring the broader environmental challenges faced by urban centers in India.
A Simple Solution to a Complex Problem
The video shared by Mahindra demonstrates a straightforward yet effective method to collect and reuse AC discharge water. It shows the installation of a system that can capture about 100 litres of water in a pipe, equipped with an overflow and a tap for easy access. This water, likened to distilled water, is recommended for various household uses, including mopping floors, watering plants, washing cars, and even flushing toilets.
This needs to become standard equipment throughout India wherever people use A/Cs
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) March 16, 2024
Water is Wealth.
It needs to be stored safely…
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Spread the word. pic.twitter.com/vSK0bWy5jm
The Urgency of the Bengaluru Water Crisis
The situation in Bengaluru is dire, with the city’s water crisis intensifying even before the peak summer months. The city, which is reliant on both municipal borewells and private borewells for its water supply, faces a significant challenge:
- Bengaluru has around 11,000 borewells under the control of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
- Additionally, there are an estimated 4.5 lakh private borewells throughout the city.
- Alarmingly, about 40% of these borewells have either dried up or are running dangerously low on water levels.
The scarcity has forced residents to depend on water tankers for their daily water needs, which come at a high financial cost.
A Call to Action
Inspired by the potential of reusing AC water as a partial solution to the water crisis, Anand Mahindra urged his followers and the wider public to adopt this practice widely. “This needs to become standard equipment throughout India wherever people use ACs,” Mahindra emphasized, highlighting the importance of water conservation and efficient use as crucial steps towards sustainability.
Public Response and Reflection
The video quickly went viral, amassing over 3 lakh views, with social media users chiming in with their thoughts and suggestions. While some praised the creativity and practicality of the solution, others took the opportunity to discuss the broader implications of the water crisis in Bengaluru and the need for systemic changes to address it.
The crisis in Bengaluru serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable water management practices. As the city continues to battle water scarcity, initiatives like the one shared by Anand Mahindra offer a glimmer of hope and a potential part of the solution. However, it also underscores the necessity for collective action, from government policies to individual efforts, to ensure a sustainable future for Bengaluru and similar urban centers facing water crises.
