Karnataka allocates ₹3,333 crore to expand groundwater recharge across state

The Karnataka government has earmarked ₹3,333 crore for the Minor Irrigation Department in the 2026-27 Budget as part of a wider push to monitor and expand groundwater recharge efforts statewide.

A real-time dashboard tracking groundwater recharge and water conservation projects across all 224 Assembly constituencies will be launched soon, Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology Minister Ajay Dharam Singh announced at a press conference held at the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board office. The dashboard will offer constituency-wise details of projects designed to improve groundwater levels.

Projects modelled on Maharashtra scheme

Dr. Singh said the projects will be finalised in consultation with local legislators and tailored to the specific requirements of each area. The state government plans to adopt a groundwater recharge programme based on Maharashtra's Shirpur model, focusing on a combination of measures including filling tanks, lift irrigation, bridge-cum-barrages, a series of check dams and gokattas.

Progress on tank filling and irrigation expansion

Of the 3,810 tanks under the department's jurisdiction across the state, the government has taken up projects to fill 925 tanks, Dr. Singh said. The department has provided irrigation facilities to 9,829 farmers under the SCP and 6,165 farmers under the TSP during 2024-25 and 2025-26 by drilling borewells and providing electricity connections. The state government has also constructed 687 barrages, check dams and vented dams, creating irrigation potential over 40,316 hectares.

Drought threat prompts conservation drive

Dr. Singh said Karnataka is facing the possibility of drought this year and the government will step up efforts to conserve and recharge groundwater. The Directorate of Groundwater will conduct a statewide information, education and communication campaign to highlight the importance of groundwater recharge, judicious use of groundwater and conservation of tanks and other water bodies.

Source: The Hindu