Dashboard to track groundwater recharge projects in State soon

The Government of the State is set to unveil an online dashboard to monitor groundwater recharge initiatives and water conservation projects spanning all 224 Assembly constituencies, according to Ajay Dharam Singh, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology. At a recent press conference held at the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board office, Singh revealed that the dashboard will offer constituency-specific information on projects aimed at enhancing groundwater levels.

These projects will be determined in collaboration with local representatives and tailored to the unique needs of each region, he explained. The State government is preparing a groundwater recharge plan, inspired by Maharashtra's Shirpur model, with a focus on strategies like dam filling, lift irrigation, bridge-cum-barrages, and constructing check dams and gokattas to boost groundwater reserves.

The Minor Irrigation Department has received ₹3,333 crore in the 2026-27 Budget. Out of the 3,810 tanks under the department's control in the State, 925 tanks are slated for filling projects. Singh also highlighted that irrigation facilities have been provided to 9,829 farmers under the State Common Programme and 6,165 farmers under the Tank Soakaway Programme during the fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26 through borewell drilling and electricity provision.

Furthermore, the State has constructed 687 barrages, check dams, and vented dams, which have made irrigation potential available over 40,316 hectares. The State is grappling with the prospect of a drought this year, and the government pledges to intensify efforts for groundwater conservation and recharge. The Directorate of Groundwater will launch a State-wide information, education, and communication campaign to emphasize the significance of groundwater recharge, responsible groundwater usage, and the preservation of tanks and other water bodies.