Karnataka to clear 41,849 lakes by December to boost groundwater: Minister Boseraju
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology N S Boseraju on Thursday said the state will give special priority to increasing groundwater levels by clearing encroachments on 41,849 lakes and filling them with water by December this year.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the 'Water is Future–Neeridare Naale' project, Boseraju said encroachments on more than 35,000 lakes have already been removed, with progress reviewed monthly.
A statement from the minister’s office said filling lakes in the H N Valley and K C Valley regions has led to a rise in groundwater levels.
Currently, 1,018 lakes are being filled annually, supplying water to 25 lakh acres through the Minor Irrigation Department. All lakes have been rejuvenated through local lake societies, it added.
The minister emphasised the importance of improving groundwater and said the Groundwater Department collects data every six hours from 2,714 locations across the state.
"Sixty per cent of agricultural activity in the state is carried out through borewells. Karnataka faces drought conditions every four to five years, and the impact of natural calamities has intensified. Karnataka is second in the country in rain‑fed agriculture and 10th in groundwater usage," he said.
Boseraju warned that excessive exploitation of groundwater in 44 taluks could lead to severe difficulties in the future.
He noted that over 8,000 minor irrigation projects were implemented during Siddaramaiah’s tenure to boost groundwater levels.
Kannada actor Vasishta Simha, named Ambassador for the Minor Irrigation Department, said, "Currently, people have to pay to purchase water for drinking and household use. A village thrives if it has a lake. We are facing a scarcity situation because of our negligence regarding water."
He stressed, "The greatest contribution we can make to future generations is not property but water conservation."
The 'Neeriddre Nale–Water is Future' initiative aims to secure the state’s future by conserving traditional water sources and boosting groundwater levels.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
PM Modi meets Dutch royals in Netherlands, discusses cooperation in technology, innovation
The Hague (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the Royal Palace and discussed close cooperation in digital technology, innovation, fintech and blue economy.
Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday - after a brief stopover in the UAE - on the second leg of his five-nation tour that also includes Sweden, Norway and Italy.
"Met His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima at the Royal Palace. It was wonderful exchanging perspectives on boosting India-Netherlands friendship across key sectors like technology, innovation, sustainable growth, commerce and water resources," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.
Modi said that India and the Netherlands are "connected by shared interests and a shared belief in building a future-ready planet."
"They discussed the growing partnership between India and the Netherlands," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
"Both sides noted the close cooperation in the areas of sustainability, climate action, digital technology, innovation, fintech and blue economy," he added.
The two sides also expressed commitment towards further strengthening India–Netherlands relations.
Earlier in the day, Modi addressed a gathering of the Indian diaspora in The Hague where he called India a “land of opportunities” undergoing an “unprecedented transformation”.
The PM's visit to the European nation from May 15 to 17 is his second trip to the country after his 2017 visit and comes at what officials described as an "important juncture" in India-Netherlands ties.
India and the Netherlands have significantly expanded cooperation in recent years beyond traditional sectors such as trade, investment and the priority areas of water, agriculture and health.
The partnership has grown in strategic sectors, including technology, innovation, defence, security, semiconductors, renewable energy, education and the maritime domain, the MEA said.
The Netherlands is one of India’s largest trade destinations in Europe, with bilateral trade valued at USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25. It is also India’s fourth-largest investor, with cumulative foreign direct investment amounting to USD 55.6 billion, officials said.
People-to-people ties remain a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.
Later on Saturday, Modi is scheduled to meet his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten.
