NEWS: Karnataka has identified 1,119 villages across 32 rural blocks as vulnerable to drinking water scarcity due to deficient monsoon rainfall.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• The Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department has prepared an emergency action plan for September.
• The plan includes:
  • Hiring 978 private water tankers.
  • Deploying 35 departmental tankers.
  • Activating 254 private borewells and 2,473 gram panchayat borewells.
  • 838 villages are expected to rely on private borewells.

DISTRICT-WISE SCENARIO

• Most affected district: Vijayapura (93 vulnerable villages).
• Other highly affected districts include Belagavi, South Kannada, and Shivamogga.
• Kodagu and Gadag have the least number of vulnerable villages.

REASONS

• Rainfall deficit caused by weak monsoon.
• Declining groundwater levels.
• Increased dependence on borewells and tanker water supply.

GOVERNMENT MEASURES

• Prepared a district-wise water scarcity mitigation plan.
• Approved ₹117 crore for emergency drinking water works.
• Repairing defunct borewells and ensuring timely tanker supply.
• Continuous monitoring of rainfall and groundwater availability.

KEY FACTS

• Vulnerable villages: 1,119
• Rural blocks affected: 32
• Departmental tankers: 35
• Private tankers: 978
• Gram Panchayat borewells: 2,473
• Private borewells: 254
• Emergency fund: ₹117 crore