Are IT firms weighing departure from Bengaluru amid water crisis?

The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has moved to allay the concerns of IT companies in the city regarding water supply amidst reports of neighboring states enticing them to relocate due to water shortages. Addressing these apprehensions, BWSSB Chairman V. Ram Prasath Manohar recently convened a virtual meeting with IT companies to discuss measures to mitigate the situation.

Manohar assured IT firms of BWSSB's commitment to ensuring sufficient water supply, extending measures implemented citywide to serve these companies. Emphasizing prudent water usage, he stressed the importance of raising awareness among employees about water conservation practices.

BWSSB authorities highlighted the upcoming completion of the Cauvery 5th stage project, which is expected to add 775 million liters per day (MLD) of water, significantly augmenting water availability and alleviating shortages.

Moreover, BWSSB urged companies to educate employees about water conservation practices, including the prudent use of water, reuse of treated water, rainwater conservation, and recharge. The water board chief also affirmed BWSSB's readiness to supply treated water to companies upon request.

Concerns about water scarcity echoed across social media, with netizens urging BWSSB to devise long-term solutions for sustainable water management. Some emphasized the unprecedented nature of Bengaluru's water crisis, calling for government intervention to address environmental degradation, particularly due to the concretization of the Silicon Valley, which impedes rainwater percolation into the ground.

It's plausible that some IT companies might consider relocating away from Bengaluru due to concerns about the water crisis. Bengaluru has been grappling with severe water shortages and depletion of its water resources due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and mismanagement of water resources.

However, the decision to relocate a company involves various factors beyond just the water crisis, such as infrastructure, talent availability, business environment, cost considerations, and more. Bengaluru still remains a hub for the IT industry in India, offering a conducive ecosystem for technology companies with its skilled workforce, established IT infrastructure, and favorable policies.

That said, the water crisis could indeed be a significant concern for companies in the long term, especially if it continues to exacerbate. Some companies may choose to diversify their operations by establishing offices in other cities or regions as a risk mitigation strategy. Other companies might invest in water conservation measures or work with local authorities to address the issue. Ultimately, the extent to which the water crisis influences companies' decisions to relocate will depend on various factors, including the severity and duration of the crisis and how effectively it is managed by relevant stakeholders.