In a significant move to protect its vital water resources, the Karnataka government has launched a major drive to scientifically enumerate and classify every lake and water body in the state. This initiative aims to resolve the widespread confusion over ownership and management that currently threatens the survival of these crucial ecosystems.
Minister Directs Urgent Action to End Departmental Confusion
Chairing a high-level meeting in Bengaluru on Thursday, Minister for Minor Irrigation NS Boseraju issued clear instructions to senior officials. He directed them to prepare an accurate and consolidated list of the total number of lakes and water bodies across Karnataka. The minister expressed serious concern, warning that the persistent ambiguity among multiple departments is endangering the very existence of these water resources.
The meeting saw participation from top officials of key departments and agencies, including the Minor Irrigation Department, Survey, Settlement and Land Records (SSLR), Karnataka State Remote Sensing Application Centre (KSRAC), Karnataka Science and Technology Council (KCST), and the Lake Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA).
Scale of the Problem: Over 41,000 Water Bodies in Limbo
Officials presented a stark picture to the minister, revealing that the ownership of a staggering 41,849 water bodies in Karnataka is shrouded in significant ambiguity. They highlighted that overlapping claims by various departments and a clear lack of defined management responsibilities have severely hampered protection and maintenance work. This administrative paralysis has left numerous lakes vulnerable to neglect and encroachment, jeopardising their long-term survival.
Stressing the urgent need for a resolution, Minister Boseraju underscored that accurate data is the foundational step. "This scientific enumeration will not only establish the exact number of lakes but also help streamline conservation efforts and protect water bodies from encroachment," he stated later. He emphasised the critical importance of inter-departmental coordination and instructed all involved agencies to act immediately.
Categorisation and Critical Data Collection Ordered
The minister issued specific directives to bring clarity and enable action:
- Department-Wise Classification: All identified water bodies are to be categorised based on departmental ownership—such as those under the Minor Irrigation Department, Rural Development Department, and others. This will clearly define who is responsible for maintenance and management.
- Monitoring Water Levels: Noting that water levels in many lakes are receding rapidly, Boseraju asked officials to compile and submit details of lakes currently holding less than 30 per cent of their storage capacity. "This data will be crucial for planning future development and rejuvenation works," he said.
- Leveraging Technology: Officials from KSRAC and KCST were directed to make effective use of satellite data to validate and meticulously document all identified water bodies across the state.
This comprehensive exercise marks a crucial step towards ending the bureaucratic tug-of-war over Karnataka's lakes. By establishing clear ownership and responsibility, the state government aims to create a robust framework for the conservation and sustainable management of its precious water bodies for future generations.
