Karnataka Allocates ₹45 Crore to Tackle Rural Water Scarcity

Karnataka Allocates ₹45 Crore to Tackle Rural Water Scarcity

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, April 26, 2026: The Karnataka government on Saturday allocated ₹45 crore to districts to address emergency water scarcity in rural areas during the peak summer months.

Announcing the measure, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said the funds will be used to ensure uninterrupted access to safe drinking water through immediate interventions such as tanker supply and hiring of private borewells in water-stressed regions.

The allocation has been made under the State Plan for 2026–27 through the Department of Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation. Of the total outlay, ₹34.15 crore has been earmarked for capital expenditure, ₹7.71 crore under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCP), and ₹3.12 crore under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).

“Ensuring access to safe drinking water, especially during the summer months, is a top priority for the government. This allocation is aimed at enabling swift, localised responses in water-scarce regions. District administrations must act promptly and responsibly to ensure that no village faces distress due to lack of drinking water,” Kharge said.

The minister directed district administrations to prioritise tanker-based supply and the use of rented borewells in areas facing acute shortages.

With temperatures rising, he also instructed officials to take urgent and coordinated measures to mitigate the impact of extreme heat. Kharge urged zilla panchayat chief executive officers and local body officials to ensure uninterrupted water supply in all villages.

“Rising temperature is a serious public health concern and our response must be proactive, localised and immediate. From ensuring access to safe drinking water to creating cooler environments for children and vulnerable groups, every level of administration must act with urgency and accountability,” he added.