Bengaluru: The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister of Karnataka, Priyank Kharge, sounded the alarm about a grave water scarcity crisis afflicting 152 villages across 100 gram panchayats in 36 taluks due to a dearth of rainfall.
In response to this alarming situation, Minister Kharge wasted no time and convened a crucial meeting with department officials at Vikasa Soudha to strategize and combat the pressing issue of water supply in rural areas. Immediate measures are already underway to provide relief to the affected villages, including the deployment of water tankers.
Out of the 152 villages grappling with water shortages, 22 are presently receiving water supply through departmental tankers, while an additional 16 are reliant on privately rented tankers. According to reliable sources, these dedicated tankers are making an astonishing 17 trips each day to ensure a consistent and essential water supply to these regions.
Minister Kharge unveiled a significant initiative involving the enlistment of 142 private tube-wells to reinforce water supply, extending this vital lifeline to 130 villages across the state.
To ensure a well-structured response, the responsibility for monitoring the rural water supply system has been placed in the hands of District Panchayat Chief Executive Officers. They will now convene weekly meetings, leveraging insights provided by district officials to effectively manage the situation on the ground.
Minister Kharge, while addressing the officials, stressed the importance of addressing the impending challenges that lie ahead as they strive to distribute water in these rural areas.
As the water crisis looms large in several villages, especially in the wake of a lacklustre monsoon, the road ahead appears daunting.