The Karnataka government has released an additional ₹72 crore to address the escalating drinking water scarcity in rural areas, bringing the total funds allocated for drought relief to ₹198.20 crore. This decision comes amidst a severe drought affecting several districts, with 22 taluks declared severely drought-hit and 113 taluks facing moderate drought conditions.
The released funds will be utilized by the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) to implement immediate measures. These include deepening existing borewells, drilling new borewells in areas with groundwater potential, and providing water through tankers. Priority will be given to multi-village schemes where water can be supplied to multiple villages simultaneously.
The funds are specifically earmarked for addressing the current crisis and are not part of the larger drought relief package announced earlier. The government has instructed Deputy Commissioners of affected districts to assess the situation and submit detailed action plans for utilizing the funds effectively.
Currently, 539 tankers are operational across the state, delivering water to 1,169 habitations. The government aims to increase this number based on the evolving needs and demands from various regions.
The areas facing the most acute shortage include Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, Vijayapura, and Dharwad districts. The government is also focusing on repairing and maintaining existing water infrastructure to minimize losses and ensure efficient water distribution.
Beyond immediate relief, the government is exploring long-term solutions to address water scarcity, including rainwater harvesting and watershed development projects. However, the current focus remains on providing immediate access to drinking water for the affected population. The situation is being continuously monitored, and further measures will be taken as needed to mitigate the impact of the drought.
