Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Karnataka Minister Orders Lakes Filled In Drought-Hit Taluks
Karnataka is facing drought because several areas received too little rain.
The government has already declared 101 taluks drought-affected.
Minister Ajay Dharam Singh asked officials to fill suitable lakes using available water schemes.
Filled lakes can help store water and refill underground water supplies.
They can also provide water for animals and reduce pressure on drinking-water supplies.
Officials must stop useful lake water from being wasted.
They must prepare a report about the lakes and water sources within a week.
The minister also ordered gates and groundwater recharge works to conserve water for the coming weeks.
Minister Ajay Dharam Singh directed officials to use lift irrigation and other water sources to fill feasible lakes in drought-affected taluks.
The government has declared 101 taluks drought-affected amid deficient rainfall linked to El Niño, with more decisions expected.
Officials were told to prevent existing lake water from flowing out or being wasted unnecessarily.
The department must submit a report within a week on lake conditions, filling feasibility, water sources and required measures.
The minister ordered gates at barrages and vented dams, along with recharge shafts and faster completion of relief-oriented projects.
- Who
- Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science & Technology Dr Ajay Dharam Singh directed officials from the Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Department.
- What
- Officials were instructed to prioritize filling feasible lakes, conserve river and lake water, improve groundwater recharge and expedite drought-relief works.
- When
- The directions were issued at a progress review meeting held on Thursday; officials were given one week to submit a report.
- Where
- The meeting was held in Bengaluru, with measures focused on drought-affected taluks across Karnataka.
- Why
- Deficient rainfall and declining river flows have created drought conditions, requiring additional water storage, groundwater recharge and immediate relief.
- Drought-affected taluks
- 101 taluks have been declared drought-affected.
- Primary water measure
- Use existing lift irrigation schemes and other available sources to fill feasible lakes.
- Report deadline
- Officials must submit a comprehensive lake and water-source report within one week.
- Water conservation
- Gates are to be installed immediately at departmental barrages and vented dams.
- Groundwater recharge
- Recharge shafts are to be installed in lakes filled through lift irrigation schemes, check dams and barrages.
- Reported cause
- El Niño has contributed to deficient rainfall across several parts of the state.