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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Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
