Mysuru: Underlining the need for judicious use of water, Deputy Commissioner (DC) D. Randeep has called for active public participation in conserving groundwater.

He was speaking after inaugurating a day-long workshop on the measures to be taken to conserve groundwater at Abdul Nazir Sab State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) here yesterday morning.

Recalling the water crisis in the district when there was scant rainfall last year, the DC emphasised on the importance of digging soak pits for rain water conservation. Explaining the importance of rain water harvesting, the DC said that the groundwater level in the district has increased considerably due to copious rainfall in the past few months.

Pointing out in the backdrop of huge concrete structures coming up in urban areas, rainwater harvesting has become all the more important, the DC said that all necessary measures must be taken to conserve water by all available means and to ensure that water, which is becoming scarce by the day, is used judiciously.

ZP CEO P. Shivashankar in his address, reminded the severe drought that prevailed in the district in the past two years due to scanty rainfall and severe drop in water levels at Cauvery and Kabini dams.

Stating that the district administration regulated sinking of borewells when groundwater dipped to alarmingly low levels, he said that however the district administration had permitted sinking borewells only in special cases, taking into consideration the seriousness of water crisis that prevailed then.

Stating that the ‘Borewell lobby’ was active in the district Shivashankar said it was alarming to note that more number of borewells were dug in the first six months of this year, than the number of borewells that were dug in the past 10 years.

Expressing concern over rampant sinking of borewells, which is a major factor in groundwater level receding, the CEO called for awareness and sensitisation campaigns on the mode and methods of conserving rain water.

Dr. B. Panduranga Rao, Joint Director, Mines & Geology Department, SIRD Deputy Director Ganesh Prasad, AC H.N. Shivegowda and others were present. Executive officers of all Taluk Panchayats of the districts and other concerned departmental staff took part in the workshop.