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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Human skeletal remains found in Bengaluru outskirts
Bengaluru (PTI): Human skeletal remains, including a skull, suspected to be that of a woman were discovered in and around a lake on outskirts of the city, police said on Saturday.
The matter came to light after shepherds spotted the remains near the lake at Mugalur near Sarjapur while grazing cattle in the area and alerted the police, they said.
During the inspection, investigators found bones scattered across the dried lake bed and nearby areas, a senior police officer said, adding there was suspicion that the remains must be at least three months old.
Police suspect the victim may have drowned in the lake earlier, with the skeletal remains surfacing after water levels receded significantly during the summer.
Officials also suspect stray dogs could have dragged some of the remains to surrounding areas after the lake dried up further.
With pieces of a saree recovered from the spot, police suspect that it could have been of a woman.
Forensic experts and the Scene of Crime Officer team visited the spot and collected the skeletal remains and other evidence for examination.
A case has been registered and the remains, along with other evidence, have been sent for forensic analysis, the police officer said.
The identity of the deceased and the exact cause of death are yet to be established, he added.
