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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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
