Mysuru: B.P. Ravi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF, Evaluation, Working Plan, Research and Training) of Karnataka, has issued a stern warning that Karnataka risks becoming the second driest State in India, after Rajasthan, if water conservation is not prioritised.

He shared these concerns while inaugurating a workshop on “Environmental Auditing: Building for a Greener Future,” organised by the Karnataka State Open University’s (KSOU), Department of Environmental Science at the Cauvery auditorium, Muktagangothri recently.

Highlighting the alarming depletion of water resources, Ravi lamented the lack of sufficient water conservation efforts.

“Unseasonal rains and severe drought are consequences of inadequate water conservation. If we don’t act now, the issue will escalate to catastrophic levels,” he cautioned, urging citizens to adopt optimal water usage and sustainable practices for future generations.

Ravi criticised the rampant urbanisation that has replaced natural landscapes with concrete, severely hampering groundwater recharge. “Concrete surfaces prevent rainwater absorption, reducing groundwater recharge to just 20 percent of rainfall. This issue is now spreading to rural areas as well,” he noted.

Calling for collective action, he appealed to citizens to actively participate in conserving water and adopt responsible water usage. “Farmers must employ techniques that maximise crop yield with minimal water usage,” he added.  KSOU Registrar Prof. K.B. Praveen, Academic Dean Prof. Lakshmi and Prof. Harsha were among the dignitaries present at the event.