Bengaluru, Oct 9 The Karnataka government on Thursday launched the ‘Neeriddare Naale’ (Water is Future) project in Bengaluru, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the “Water is Future – Neeridare Naale” project at the Banquet Hall of the Vidhana Soudha, Minister N.S. Bosaraju, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology, said that encroachment of more than 35,000 lakes has already been cleared in the state, and the progress is reviewed every month.
He stated that special priority will be given to increasing the groundwater level by clearing the encroachment of 41,849 lakes and filling them with water by December this year.
As a result of filling lakes in the H.N. Valley and K.C. Valley regions, the groundwater level has increased. Currently, 1,018 lakes are being filled with water every year, and water is supplied to 25 lakh acres through the Minor Irrigation Department. Additionally, all lakes have been rejuvenated through societies.
He stressed that they are focused on improving groundwater.
Information about the groundwater level is being collected every six hours from 2,714 areas in the state through the Groundwater Department. 60 per cent of agricultural activity in the state is carried out through borewells.
The state faces drought conditions every four to five years, and the problem of natural disasters has intensified. Karnataka is second in the country in rain-fed agriculture and 10th in groundwater usage, he said.
If the groundwater level is not corrected, the state will face difficulties in the coming days. Groundwater is being excessively exploited in 44 taluks. He mentioned that during Siddaramaiah's tenure, more than 8,000 minor irrigation projects were implemented to increase the groundwater.
H.K. Patil, Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs, and Tourism, said that the state has implemented the five guarantee schemes, and now a water guarantee is essential. Those who do not shed tears think about money. Those with tears in their eyes think about the farmers. But our government is prioritising the prosperity and welfare of the farmers. Minister N.S. Bosaraju has given special priority to the Minor Irrigation Department and is moving forward to make the state water-rich, he added.
Rajendra Singh, the 'Waterman of India,' water conservation technologist, and Magsaysay Award winner, who hails from the Chambal region, recalled his work in the Chambal Valley, where bandits abandoned their weapons and became part of the water conservation movement.
“Water presence leads to peace,” he said.
He applauded the state government's water conservation efforts and mentioned that he had noticed significant groundwater improvement in Karnataka.
He said Karnataka is Number one in groundwater rejuvenation. He also stressed the need for a decentralised approach to groundwater development in the state.
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