N S Boseraju directs officials to classify water bodies in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Minor Irrigation Minister NS Boseraju directed officials on Thursday to finalise the exact number of water bodies in the state and classify them according to their respective departments.

In a meeting with officials, Boseraju pointed out that there was confusion over the status and ownership of approximately 41,849 water bodies across the state. 

“This ambiguity is hindering their proper maintenance and protection. To resolve this, we must first consolidate accurate data regarding the exact number of water bodies. Inter-departmental coordination is essential for this task, and officials must act immediately,” the minister said.

The meeting decided that there must be a scientific survey, following
which there must be a “freeze” (finalise) on the total count of tanks in the state.

The meeting decided that once the number of tanks is finalised, the water bodies must be segregated based on the department under which they fall (Eg: Minor Irrigation, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and so on) to ensure accountability for their maintenance.