30 Lakh Paani Mein Gaye Chapak!

Navigating Turbulent Waters

Bangalore, known as the Silicon Valley of India, is facing a crisis that runs deeper than its tech prowess– a water crisis that threatens not only daily life but also the thriving swimming academies in the city.

As the demand for water surges and resources dwindle, the swimming community finds itself treading water in uncertain times.

The water crisis in Bangalore is not a new tale.

It has prevailed for years now, rapid urbanization, unchecked development, and poor water management are some of the reasons for the decline of underground water levels. 

For swimming academies, the repercussions are profound. Water scarcity translates to limited pool access and increased operational costs for the aqua businesses.

Although posing a huge threat to the aqua industry, the government has made special provisions for the smooth functioning of Olympic and Sports Academic Training, keeping the true essence of the sport unharmed.

While researching, we reached out to swimming academies in Bangalore to learn more about the situation, and we connected with Aqua Nation Sports Academy LLC (ANSA), headquartered in the vibrant city of Dubai.

ANSA is the brainchild of George Mathew, a visionary leader who brings over 28 years of corporate expertise.

In the heart of Bangalore, where the flow of the sacred Kaveri River sustains life there, ANSA finds itself grappling with unprecedented challenges.

The government's order to cease all non-essential water usage, particularly targeting their reliance on Kaveri water, strikes at the core of their existence.

During winter and exam seasons, swimming pools are often abandoned as the sport is seasonal. The pool industry places great importance on summer, particularly in April, May, and June.

ANSA had planned on optimizing this to their advantage by introducing summer camps- a venture that was compelled to be aborted due to the circumstances.

The Summer Camp was envisioned to regenerate a hefty revenue for the fiscal year but unfortunately resulted in a staggering loss of nearly Rs. 30,00,000! 

Local businesses that solely operate in Bangalore were affected tremendously by this appalling water crisis- one the city has never witnessed before.

In response to the challenges posed by the water crisis, the swimming industry in Bangalore is:

• Actively seeking alternative approaches to sustain operations while minimizing their environmental footprint. 

• Some academies are investing in water recycling and rainwater harvesting systems to reduce reliance on municipal water sources. 

• Academies with Olympic-sized swimming pools are implementing advanced filtration systems and smart water monitoring devices to optimize water usage and minimize wastage.

As trivial as it sounds, the booming entrepreneurs of Bangalore have pinned their hopes on the promise of rain with their fingers crossed!