Young volunteers set out to quench thirst of slum dwellers amid water crises

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: It's 2:00 PM. In the scorching heat, slum dwellers in Old Bagalur Layout in North Bengaluru seek ways to quench their thirst amidst the city’s water scarcity.

Amidst the narrow streets, they spot a vehicle approaching with water. One of the dwellers asks in Tamil, “Is this for free?” “Absolutely,” replies a volunteer of the Active Bengaluru Foundation.

In their noble campaign ‘Zam Zam,’ they travel to slums across the city, fulfilling the water needs of the people.

Bengaluru has been reeling under a water crisis for the past few months. Reports of water shortages in slums and the lack of connections to the Cauvery water supply have put them in a predicament, exacerbated by a failed monsoon.

Tauseef Ahmed and Mohammed Ismail spoke to News Trail about their experiences.

“Every time we go and help them fill water, it fills our hearts with satisfaction,” Ahmed said.

Upon learning that around 6000 borewells have dried up in the city via a newspaper, young volunteers like Ahmed and Ismail set out to serve those in need.

“So far, we have supplied around 10 lakh litres of water in 200 trips,” said Ahmed, emphasizing that they don’t charge a penny.

Witnessing their noble deeds, Ahmed claims that a few have come forward to provide water for them to distribute.

“A few with bore wells call us and provide water, free of cost.”

They claim the water matches the standard TDS levels.

“However, we advise them to filter it for drinking purposes,” Ismail added.

Their fleet of four vehicles, on average, supplies over 10,000 litres per trip. “As tankers sent by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) often fail to arrive on time, we fill that gap,” said Tauseef.

Requests are received via Google Forms, and vehicles are dispatched promptly. On the back of these vehicles reads a quote: ‘Zaid.’

“The Messenger of Allah(saw) was asked, 'Which charity is best?' He replied, '(providing) water.'”

The volunteers feel this quote is the reason why people, especially Muslims, have come forward to provide water, especially during times when people report dried borewells.

Ismail added, “My Grandmother always said that if someone in the middle of the sea asks for water, it's our duty to provide it.”

These words encapsulate their noble mindset in helping those in need. The BWSSB has lauded their efforts in providing water to those in slums.

“The chair man, Ram Prasath Manohar, was more than happy to help us in supplying water as we look to increase our fleet,” Ahmed signed off.