Anand Mahindra Shares Video on How to Capture and Reuse AC Water Amid Raging Bengaluru Water Crisis
Amidst the escalating water crisis in Bengaluru, Anand Mahindra, a prominent industrialist, took to X to share a novel approach to water conservation. Through a video, he spotlighted the urgent necessity for equipment that allows for the conservation and reuse of water from air conditioning units. This initiative is particularly timely, as Bengaluru confronts severe water scarcity, highlighting the broader challenge of urban environmental sustainability in India.
Innovating for Sustainability
The video shared by Mahindra introduces a simple, yet innovative, system to harness and repurpose AC water. It details the setup of a collection system capable of storing approximately 100 litres of water in a pipe, complete with an overflow mechanism and a tap. This water, which is akin to distilled water, is recommended for a variety of domestic tasks such as cleaning, gardening, vehicle maintenance, and toilet flushing.
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
Bengaluru’s Water Woes
Bengaluru’s struggle with water scarcity is intensifying, especially with summer approaching. The city’s reliance on a combination of municipal and private borewells for its water supply presents a significant challenge:
- The city manages about 11,000 borewells under the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
- There are roughly 4.5 lakh private borewells throughout Bengaluru.
- Disturbingly, approximately 40% of these borewells are either completely dry or have critically low water levels.
This has led to a heavy reliance on water tankers for daily water needs, burdening residents with high costs.
Mobilizing for Change
Moved by the potential impact of AC water reuse on alleviating the water crisis, Anand Mahindra called on his followers and the broader community to adopt this practice. He stressed the importance of making such water conservation methods standard across India, wherever air conditioners are in use.
Community Engagement and Forward Movement
The video resonated widely, garnering over 300,000 views and sparking a conversation among netizens. Viewers shared their insights, praised the ingenuity of the solution, and discussed the broader context of Bengaluru’s water crisis and the imperative for comprehensive solutions.
Bengaluru’s predicament serves as a vivid reminder of the critical need for sustainable water management strategies. As the city battles against water scarcity, the approach shared by Anand Mahindra represents a beacon of hope and a part of the solution. Nonetheless, it also highlights the importance of combined efforts—from policy reforms to individual actions—to secure a sustainable water future for Bengaluru and other cities facing similar crises.
