Drinking water scarcity in 324 villages across 60 taluks in 20 districts in Karnataka: Priyank Kharge

Drinking water scarcity has been reported in 324 villages across 60 taluks in 20 districts of Karnataka, said Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, and Information Technology & Biotechnology.

The Minister said in a release on Saturday (April 4) that water is being supplied to 76 villages through 76 tankers, while 248 villages are being given water by leasing 280 private borewells.

“To address urgent requirements, ₹60 crore has already been allocated to districts. Additionally, ₹48 crore has been released towards clearing pending bills of works undertaken by the task forces in March 2026. Further, ₹14.50 crore has been allocated for the repair of purified drinking water units,” the Minister stated.

Officials at district, taluk, and gram panchayat levels, including Chief Executive Officers of zilla panchayats, are maintaining continuous monitoring and conducting regular review meetings to ensure uninterrupted supply, he said.

“Water quality testing is being carried out across villages and habitation areas using field testing kits. In cases where water quality exceeds permissible limits, samples are being re-tested in nearby laboratories. Where contamination is confirmed, alternative safe drinking water sources are being arranged,” Mr. Kharge said.

The State has 26,676 villages across 31 districts, with 57,883 habitation areas covering over 1.01 crore households. During summer, many water sources dry up and borewell yield reduces. To address this, daily monitoring systems have been put in place, and emergency drinking water works are being undertaken to ensure supply during drought-like conditions, the release said.

“Priority is given to leasing private borewells wherever drinking water scarcity arises in rural areas. If required, water will be supplied through tankers. Efforts are also being made to resolve issues through flushing and deepening of borewells. New borewells will be drilled only in unavoidable circumstances and strictly based on geologist reports,” the Minister said.

To strengthen preparedness, review meetings are being held every second and fourth Monday with Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) and zilla panchayat CEOs, he said. Additionally, 24/7 control rooms have been established in all zilla panchayats, and Rapid Task Forces have been formed at the taluk level, he added.