Bengaluru: In an effort to rejuvenate dwindling groundwater resources, the Central Government has sanctioned Rs.1,200 crore under the Atal Bhujal Yojana to recharge underground water table around the rivulets, tanks and lakes in 14 districts of the State.

Addressing a press conference, Minister for Law and Minor Irrigation J.C. Madhuswamy said that the Department will be using this fund to rejuvenate lakes in the next three years. 

Underground water resources in 14 districts of the State have either dried up or fallen into the critical category. These districts include Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Davanagere, Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkamagaluru, Ballari, Bagalkot,Gadag and Belagavi.

“Under Atal Bhujal Yojana, small and medium sized lakes, rivulets and other water reservoirs will be rejuvenated and developed in all these districts. Before taking up the rejuvenation work, we will identify groundwater areas using satellite data and conduct surveys of lakes and other water bodies. Encroachments will be cleared from all the lakes. We will also give more emphasis on keeping the water bodies clean. We are planning to increase the green cover around these lakes and ponds by undertaking reforestation programmes,” the Minister said.