Karnataka set to launch statewide ‘Water is Future’ campaign on water security
Bengaluru: In a bid to tackle the growing challenges of water scarcity and promote sustainable water management, Karnataka is set to launch a statewide initiative, ‘Water is Future’ campaign.
Karnataka, the second most arid state in India, faces significant water stress, particularly in its rural regions. To address this challenge, the Water is Future campaign aims to create a water security plan for every gram panchayat across the state, consolidating the government's water conservation initiatives under a unified, strategic mission focused on sustainable water governance.
The first phase of the campaign will cover 525 gram panchayats across 16 districts and 27 taluks where groundwater resources are considered "overexploited" or in a "critical" condition, as reported by Deccan Herald.
"Every gram panchayat in the state will be assessed and categorised based on groundwater status. A state-wide ranking of all GPs as Critical (Red), Semi-Critical (Yellow) or Safe/Sustainable (Green) will be undertaken. This zonation is foundational for identifying areas that need urgent intervention," the minor irrigation department said in a note about the campaign.
Following the assessment, a Master Atlas of Groundwater will be developed, which will provide a geospatial database of vital water resources in each gram panchayat. This data will include details on wells, aquifers, recharge structures, and water bodies.
Using this information, tailored groundwater action plans will be created for each gram panchayat. These plans will recommend site-specific, scientifically validated solutions for water security, including the construction of new recharge structures, the installation of rainwater harvesting systems, and the regulation of water extraction in critical areas. Additionally, region-specific crop-water management strategies will be adopted to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Minor Irrigation Minister N.S. Boseraju emphasised that groundwater is the invisible foundation of Karnataka’s future. “We're empowering gram panchayats and communities to take charge of their water security. Starting with the most stressed regions, this initiative will combine people’s participation with technology-driven monitoring to restore balance between extraction and recharge,” DH quoted him as saying.
The government will also set up a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) at the Groundwater Directorate to coordinate the 'Water is Future' campaign.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
