Bengaluru, 12 September 2026: Karnataka Government has directed officials to prioritise the filling of feasible lakes in drought-affected taluks using existing lift irrigation schemes and other available water sources.
Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science & Technology Dr. Ajay Dharam Singh issued the direction while chairing a progress review meeting of the Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Department in Bengaluru on Thursday. State has already declared 101 taluks as drought-affected following deficient rainfall. Several other areas are also facing drought-like conditions, with a decision on their status expected shortly.
Dr. Ajay Dharam Singh said available water should be utilised efficiently and directed officials to identify lakes that can be filled through existing lift irrigation schemes or other water sources.
“Filling lakes in drought-affected areas is not merely about water storage. It will support groundwater recharge, provide water for livestock and help ease local drinking water stress,” he said.
Minister directed officials to ensure that water currently available in lakes is not unnecessarily allowed to flow out or go waste. The department has been asked to submit a comprehensive report within a week covering the condition of lakes, feasibility of filling them, availability of water sources and measures required.
Gates ordered at barrages and vented dams
With river flows declining in several parts of Karnataka, the Minister directed officials to immediately install gates at departmental barrages and vented dams to conserve available water. He also called for greater attention to groundwater recharge, particularly in drought-affected and over-exploited areas. Officials were instructed to undertake a special drive to install recharge shafts in lakes filled through lift irrigation schemes, check dams and barrages.
Dr. Ajay Dharam Singh directed officials to work in coordination under the ‘Team Karnataka’ approach and expedite pending projects that can provide immediate relief in drought-affected areas.
Meeting was attended by Department Secretary Rajesh Amminabhavi, Minister’s Private Secretary Mallikarjun Reddy Patil, South Zone Chief Engineer Satish Kumar, North Zone Chief Engineer Anand, and senior engineering officials from across the State.
Keywords: Karnataka drought, lake filling, lift irrigation schemes, Ajay Dharam Singh, groundwater recharge, drought-hit taluks