BDA completes 1,441 percolation wells in Bengaluru to counter water crisis

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has completed 1,441 rainwater-harvesting percolation wells across 77 BDA parks and residential premises, with the infrastructure estimated to recharge 184.59 million litres (18.459 crore litres) of rainwater annually.

BDA Chairman N.A. Haris handed over the completed wells to the BDA authorities concerned at a programme held at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, 4th Block, on Thursday. The authorities will be responsible for their maintenance and upkeep.

The ‘One Billion Drops (OBD) – Groundwater Recharge through Percolation Wells’ project was implemented by United Way of Bengaluru (UWBe) in collaboration with the BDA between February 2025 and February 2026.

“Bengaluru’s water security depends on how effectively the city conserved and recharged water. Every drop we recharge today strengthens Bengaluru’s tomorrow. The percolation wells would help recharge groundwater and make the city more resilient,” Mr. Haris said.

The project is estimated to benefit around 82,300 people. This will also help reduce surface runoff, support groundwater recharge and contribute to flood mitigation and climate resilience, BDA said.

According to the release, the wells, generally around 12 feet deep, were constructed after geological and GIS-based assessments to identify suitable sites based on recharge potential, runoff patterns, available open space and maintenance feasibility. The structures feature concrete rings, aggregate packing, iron mesh and protective covers.

The BDA also launched GreenBengaluruByBDA.in, a digital platform to monitor greening initiatives, sapling health and maintenance, while also providing volunteering opportunities, educational tours and a platform for citizen queries.