Nearly 30% of Karnataka’s waterbodies used mainly to recharge groundwater

Nearly 30% of Karnataka’s waterbodies are being used mainly to recharge groundwater, according to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Second Census of Water Bodies.

Of the 28,075 waterbodies currently in use in the State, 8,353 are primarily used for this purpose, Minor Irrigation and Science and Technology Minister Ajay Dharma Singh said on Sunday.

Karnataka has the second-highest share among the major southern States, after Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, 34.3% of waterbodies are primarily used for groundwater recharge, followed by Karnataka at 29.8%, Telangana at 27.5%, Andhra Pradesh at 19.2% and Kerala at 15.3%.

Mr. Singh said that it is not about comparing performances of the States, but recharging groundwater was important for Karnataka as the State often faces drought and uneven rainfall. Lakes, tanks and other waterbodies help rainwater seep into the ground and replenish groundwater, he said. “The waterbodies are not just storage structures, they are systems that help secure our groundwater for the future,” he said.

About 96% of Karnataka’s waterbodies are in rural areas. Their condition and ability to recharge groundwater are therefore important for farming, drinking water, livestock and other needs in rural areas, Mr. Singh added.

Of the 8,353 waterbodies primarily used for groundwater recharge, 5,302 are classified as waterbodies, 1,548 as lakes and 1,267 as ponds, the census data showed.

Mr. Singh said the State government would focus on measures such as protecting watersheds, removing silt from waterbodies, restoring lakes and promoting rainwater harvesting along with groundwater management. Strengthening the ability of rural waterbodies to recharge groundwater would be a priority, he said.