During the summer, many water sources dry up and well production decreases. | Photo credit: File photo
Drinking water shortage has been reported in 324 villages in 60 taluks in 20 districts of Karnataka, said Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and Information Technology and Biotechnology.
The minister said in a statement on Saturday (April 4) that water is being supplied to 76 villages through 76 tankers, while 248 villages are getting water from 280 private wells on lease.
“To deal with urgent requirements, ₹ 60 crore has already been allocated to the districts. Besides, ₹ 48 crore has been released for settlement of outstanding invoices for the work carried out by the task forces in March 2026. Further, ₹ 14.50 crore has been earmarked for repairs of purified drinking water units,” the minister said.
District, taluk and gram panchayat level officials, including CEOs of zilla panchayats, are maintaining continuous monitoring and conducting regular review meetings to ensure uninterrupted supply, he said.
“Water quality testing is done in villages and populated areas using field testing kits. In cases where water quality exceeds permissible limits, samples are retested in nearby laboratories. If contamination is confirmed, alternative sources of safe drinking water are arranged,” said Mr. Kharge.
The state has 26,676 villages in 31 districts with 57,883 dwellings covering over 1.01 million households. During the summer, many water sources dry up and well production decreases. To address this, daily monitoring systems have been put in place and emergency drinking water works are being carried out to ensure supplies during the drought, the report said.
“The priority is to lease private wells wherever there is a shortage of drinking water in rural areas. If necessary, water will be supplied through tankers. Problems are also solved by flushing and deepening wells. New wells will be drilled only in unavoidable circumstances and strictly based on the reports of geologists,” said the minister.
To strengthen preparedness, review meetings are held with Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) and zilla panchayat CEOs on every second and fourth Monday, he said. Besides, 24/7 control rooms have been set up in all zilla panchayats and rapid action units have been formed at the taluk level, he added.
Published – 04 Apr 2026 20:53 IST
