‘Neer is Dear’: Government sounds alarm as groundwater levels plummet, plans campaign to conserve water

Bengaluru: To strengthen Karnataka’s future through conservation of traditional water sources and enhancement of groundwater levels, the Department of Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development will launch a special initiative titled “Neeriddre Nale – Water is Future”.

Citing the Karnataka Economic Survey 2024–25, Minister N.S. Boseraju noted that nearly 60 percent of the state’s total agricultural land was dependent on borewells, a sharp increase from 37 percent a few decades ago.

This trend highlights the growing dependence on groundwater across farming communities, especially in drought-prone and rain-fed regions, where borewells have become the primary source of irrigation.

The Minister cautioned that this extreme reliance has led to a steady decline in groundwater levels.

The upcoming programme aims to raise awareness among the public on sustainable water use and groundwater conservation, while working towards building a water-secure and resilient Karnataka.

“Water is the foundation of our tomorrow, and through this initiative we seek to inspire collective responsibility for groundwater revival and judicious water use,” he stated.

Actor Vasista Simha as brand ambassador

To connect with the younger generation on water conservation, noted actor Vasista Simha has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for the Department of Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development.

He will play an active role in awareness drives across the state, including campaigns on lake rejuvenation, rainwater harvesting, and community participation.

The Minister added that Vasista Simha had agreed to serve as the ambassador without any remuneration.

The “Neeriddre Nale – Water is Future” campaign will be formally launched on October 9 at the Banquet Hall, Vidhana Soudha by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar.