Karnataka govt to launch initiative to improve groundwater levels in state
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government will launch an initiative to revive natural and traditional water sources and improve groundwater level across the state, Minister for Minor Irrigation N S Boseraju said on Wednesday.
The scheme named 'Neeriddre Nale' (Water is Future) will be implemented in 525 gram panchayats identified as groundwater overexploited villages in the first phase, he added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar will formally launch the program on Thursday, he said.
"The initiative aims to lay a strong foundation for a water-secure and prosperous Karnataka by reviving natural and traditional water sources and improving groundwater levels. The innovative "Neeriddre Nale" concept seeks to create public awareness about water conservation, develop strategic plans for sustainable water management, and make citizens active partners in protecting water resources," Bosaraju said.
In the first phase, the project will cover 525 groundwater-stressed gram panchayats across 16 districts and 27 taluks, including over 100 in the Kalyana Karnataka region, where groundwater depletion is most severe, the minister was quoted as saying by his office in a statement.
As part of the awareness campaign, noted Kannada film actor Vasista Simha has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the Department of Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development, the minister said. The broader goal is to build state wide groundwater literacy and community participation in the coming months, he added.
Boseraju, in a different statement, also said that an explanation regarding the lakes' buffer zone amendment bill will be submitted to the Governor shortly, following consultation with legal experts.
He said that the Governor sought the clarification following a complaint lodged by a Bengaluru-based organisation, and the necessary details are being prepared. The bill has been approved by both Houses of the state legislature.
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Mangaluru: Teacher booked for allegedly beating student in school
Vittla (Dakshina Kannada): A case has been registered at the Vittla Police Station against a school teacher on charges of seriously assaulting a student with a cane at an English-medium school in Idkidu village here near Vittla in Dakshina Kannada district.
According to the complaint, the student, who attends the school regularly, had gone to school as usual. Around 2 pm, the child’s parents received a call from the school office stating that their child had allegedly disturbed other students. The school informed them that when the teacher scolded the student over the issue, the child became frightened and urinated, and the parents were asked to come and take the child home.
The parents reportedly told the school staff that no one was at home at the time and requested that the child be sent home in an autorickshaw.
After returning home, the student told the parents that a teacher identified as Istikaar had beaten him severely on the hand with a cane. The child also said that he urinated out of fear while the assault was taking place.
When the parents contacted the teacher over the phone to question him about the incident, he allegedly responded in a dismissive manner.
Following this, the parents lodged complaints with the Vittla Police Station and the Child Development Project Office, seeking justice and strict action against the teacher for allegedly assaulting the child without any valid reason.
Police have registered a case against the teacher and have taken up further investigation.
