By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

The State government will implement the Neeriddare Nale (water is future) initiative across 525 gram panchayats in 27 taluks of 15 districts, which have been identified as areas where the groundwater is exploited.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will formally launch the programme on October 9.

Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology N.S. Boseraju told reporters here that the initiative aimed to lay a strong foundation for a water-secure and prosperous Karnataka by reviving natural and traditional water sources and improving groundwater levels.

The Neeriddre Nale concept seeks to create public awareness about water conservation, develop strategic plans for sustainable water management, and make citizens active partners in protecting water resources.

In the first phase, the project will cover 525 groundwater-stressed gram panchayats, including over 100 GPs in Kalyana Karnataka, where groundwater depletion is the most severe, he said.

As part of the awareness campaign, Kannada actor Vasishta Simha has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the department.