Bengaluru Water Crisis: Companies look for more permanent solutions following rising demands for WFH
Bengaluru, India’s numero uno tech hub, is currently facing a severe water scarcity issue. The city’s burgeoning population coupled with limited water resources has led to a crisis that threatens to disrupt the daily lives of millions and the operations of its vast IT sector. Amidst this crisis, a unique proposal has been put forth – encouraging work from home (WFH) for IT professionals to alleviate the water demand.
The Proposal and Its Backers
Justice K Sreedhar Rao, a prominent legal figure and former acting chief justice of the high courts of Karnataka and Assam, is among the leading voices advocating for a temporary WFH policy. This suggestion aims to tackle the Bengaluru water crisis head-on by reducing the city’s population during working hours, thereby lowering the overall demand for water. The Economic Times reports that such a move could potentially enable nearly 1 million IT workers to operate from their hometowns, significantly relieving the strain on Bengaluru’s water supply.
This proposal comes in the wake of the Karnataka government’s admission of a daily shortfall of approximately 500 million liters of water. With the city requiring at least 2,600 MLD to satisfy its current needs, the situation is indeed dire.
Justice Rao’s call for action includes immediate measures like desilting lakes to enhance the city’s water storage capabilities, alongside the WFH strategy to reduce demand.
Corporate Reaction: A Search for Long-term Solutions
While the WFH proposal has garnered support from environmental and legal circles, the corporate sector’s response has been mixed. A report from The Hindu highlights differing perspectives among Bengaluru’s corporates. NetApp’s Krishna Bettan views the water crisis as a temporary challenge, emphasizing the company’s ongoing efforts to minimize water wastage and maintain a hybrid work model. This approach allows teams to decide on their physical presence in the office based on project requirements and deliverables.
Similarly, Titan, through an HR representative, reflected on the post-COVID-19 era’s learnings. The company acknowledges the increased flexibility and productivity that can come with remote work. Titan has introduced a ‘work from anywhere’ policy every Wednesday, though it stops short of a full WFH model, particularly for its retail and manufacturing sectors.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
The Bengaluru water crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable and long-term solutions to manage the city’s water resources effectively. While temporary measures like WFH policies for IT workers can provide short-term relief, stakeholders across the board recognize the importance of addressing the root causes of water scarcity.
As Bengaluru navigates this challenging period, the collaboration between the government, corporate entities, and civil society will be crucial in devising strategies that ensure water security for all residents. The path forward requires a multifaceted approach, combining immediate actions with the development of a comprehensive water management framework that can support Bengaluru’s growth sustainably.
