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.
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.
China confirms its support to Pakistan during four-day conflict with India
Beijing (PTI): China, for the first time, has confirmed that it provided on-site technical support to Pakistan during the four-day conflict with India last year, official media reports here said.
China's state broadcaster CCTV on Thursday aired an interview with Zhang Heng, an engineer from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China's (AVIC) Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, a key developer of China’s advanced fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle design.
Zhang had provided technical support to Pakistan during the four-day war last May, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported, quoting CCTV.
Pakistan's air force operates a fleet of Chinese-made J-10CE jets, produced by an AVIC subsidiary.
"At the support base, we frequently heard the roar of fighter jets taking off and the constant wail of air-raid sirens. By late morning, in May, the temperature was already approaching 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). It was a real ordeal for us, both mentally and physically,” Zhang said.
What drove his team was the "desire to do an even better job with on site support” and to ensure their equipment could “truly perform at its full combat potential”, Zhang told CCTV.
“That wasn’t just a recognition of the J10CE; it was also a testament to the deep bond we formed through working side by side, day in and day out,” he said.
