Water shortage in 152 Karnataka villages

Bengaluru: As many as 152 villages spanning 100 gram panchayats in 36 taluks of Karnataka are grappling with a severe scarcity of drinking water due to inadequate rainfall, disclosed Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister, Priyank Kharge on Monday.

Minister Kharge convened a meeting with department officials at Vikasa Soudha to address the pressing issue of water supply in rural areas. He emphasized that immediate measures are underway to provide relief to the affected villages through the deployment of water tankers.

Out of the 152 affected villages, 22 are currently receiving water supply from departmental tankers, while the remaining 16 are dependent on rented tankers. These tankers are making an average of 17 trips per day to ensure a steady supply of water.

Furthermore, the minister outlined that 142 private tubewells have been enlisted to augment the water supply, benefiting 130 villages across the state.

To ensure effective monitoring of the rural water supply system, District Panchayat Chief Executive Officers have been entrusted with the responsibility and will convene weekly meetings based on updates provided by district officials, he said.

Kharge also urged officials to promptly report any challenges encountered in the distribution of water in rural areas.