Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Karnataka Government Plans Rs 150 Crore Lake Rejuvenation Project
The Karnataka government wants to repair and improve 500 lakes.
The work is expected to cost Rs 150 crore.
The lakes are in seven districts.
Workers may remove mud, repair lake walls and fix canals.
The government says this can help store rainwater for next summer.
It may also improve groundwater and soil moisture.
Officials were told to provide clean drinking water and check its quality.
They were also told to pay rural employment workers on time.
The project is supported by the World Bank and will be linked with a rural employment programme.
The Karnataka government has prepared a Rs 150 crore project to rejuvenate 500 lakes in seven districts.
Planned work includes desilting, repairing and raising bunds, beautification, and canal repairs.
The project covers lakes in Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Bidar, Chikkaballapur, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru and Kolar.
Minister Eshwar Khandre said the work could improve water availability, soil moisture and groundwater levels after rainfall.
Officials were also directed to ensure safe drinking water, speed up employment-guarantee works and pay workers within 15 days.
- Who
- The Karnataka government and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre.
- What
- A Rs 150 crore plan to rejuvenate 500 lakes, alongside directions on drinking water and rural employment works.
- When
- The announcement was reported on Tuesday, September 22; the year was not specified.
- Where
- Across seven Karnataka districts: Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Bidar, Chikkaballapur, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru and Kolar.
- Why
- The work is intended to address drought-related water shortages, capture future rainfall and improve soil moisture and groundwater levels.
- Project cost
- Rs 150 crore
- Lakes covered
- 500
- Districts covered
- Seven
- Planned works
- Desilting, bund repairs and raising, beautification, and canal repairs
- Programme support
- World Bank-assisted programme linked with VB-G RAM G
- Drinking-water direction
- Officials must regularly test water quality and inspect the supply chain when contamination is reported
- Wage-payment deadline
- Workers should be paid within 15 days