Karnataka's drought problem | State plans air-to-water tech pilot for affected lands

Bengaluru: Karnataka is exploring the use of a technology that creates drinking water from air as the government looks to solve a crucial challenge in a drought-prone state.

Panchayat Raj and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge held talks with Chennai-based deep-tech startup Aeronero and discussed its air-to-water technology.

"Their patented technology condenses moisture from the atmosphere, mineralizes and sterilizes it and delivers safe alkaline drinking water without depending on groundwater or other natural sources," Priyank said in a statement. "The solution is modular and scalable, from small units for individual homes to larger systems that can serve entire communities and schools," he added.

"We are exploring a pilot deployment in a few panchayats to understand feasibility, cost and long-term sustainability. If successful, this can help address drinking water challenges in water-scarce regions," the minister said. He said his rural development & panchayat raj (RDPR) department wanted to make villages "water-secure and energy-secure" and "technology interventions like these help us move closer toward that goal".

About 80% of Karnataka’s geographical area is prone to droughts with many taluks witnessing a dry spell for over three consecutive weeks. This makes Karnataka the second most arid Indian state after Rajasthan.