Bengaluru's Water Win: World Bank Injects $426M

The World Bank has approved USD 426 million (approximately ₹3,700 crore) in financing for the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme, aimed at rejuvenating 183 lakes across Bengaluru. These urban water bodies serve as natural buffers during heavy rainfall and are vital to the city’s flood management and environmental sustainability.

Approved on June 23 by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors, the programme is designed to improve water security for more than four million residents. A key component involves advanced flood modeling using computer simulations to predict flood timing, location, and severity—enabling smarter, long-term investments in Bengaluru’s climate resilience infrastructure.

To improve water quality and urban sanitation, nine new sewage treatment plants (STPs) will be constructed to prevent untreated wastewater from flowing into lakes and drains. Treated water will be reused for industrial applications and groundwater recharge. Additionally, over 1 lakh households will receive first-time sewerage connections, marking a significant step toward inclusive and sustainable water management in the city.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.