BENGALURU, September 25: The Karnataka government has prepared a ₹150-crore comprehensive project to rejuvenate 500 lakes across seven districts, with the initiative aimed at improving water security, groundwater levels and the storage capacity of local water bodies. The programme is being supported by the World Bank.
Of the 500 lakes identified, 135 are located in the Bengaluru region — 67 in Bengaluru Urban and 68 in Bengaluru Rural. The remaining lakes are spread across Bidar, Chikkaballapur, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru and Kolar districts.
The planned works include desilting, repairing and strengthening lake bunds, raising bund heights where necessary, restoring feeder canals and improving surrounding areas. Officials have been instructed to expedite the work while several water bodies remain dry during the current period of low rainfall.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre said the present dry conditions provide an opportunity to complete restoration works before the return of substantial rainfall. According to the government, rejuvenated lakes could store more rainwater and help reduce water shortages during the next summer.
The programme is also expected to contribute to soil-moisture improvement and groundwater recharge. Bengaluru’s lake network plays an important role in retaining rainwater and allowing water to percolate into the ground, particularly as the city faces increasing pressure on groundwater resources.
The government has also directed district officials to ensure reliable access to clean drinking water in villages. Regular water-quality testing has been ordered, with officials instructed to investigate the entire supply chain if contamination is reported and prevent sewage or wastewater from entering drinking-water systems.
Authorities are now expected to accelerate the lake-development works across the seven districts. The initiative comes as Karnataka faces concerns over water availability and seeks to use existing water bodies more effectively to strengthen resilience ahead of the next summer.
