The State government will soon launch a project to rejuvenate the groundwater table by constructing checkdams to aid the percolation of rainwater.

Addressing a press conference in Bangalore, Minor Irrigation Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi said the project will be initially launched in five districts – Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Koppal, Gadag and Bijapur.

He said officials of the department have been told to submit an action plan for each of the district within two weeks.

The department will also be taking up awareness drives on the importance of recharging the groundwater table.

Essay competitions on water conservation and recharge will be held in schools at the taluk and district levels, he said.

Tangadagi said as many as 5,000 tanks will be taken up for development and desiltation under the next phase  of the Jalasamvardhane scheme.