1,119 villages across Karnataka identified as vulnerable to drinking water scarcity

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Karnataka has hired 978 private borewells and 254 private tankers, besides deploying 35 departmental tankers, to avert the drinking water crisis

Updated - July 13, 2026 04:59 pm IST - Bengaluru

In Bengaluru Urban, 22 problematic areas with regard to drinking water scarcity have been identified. | Photo Credit: File photo

With Karnataka experiencing a monsoon deficit this year, the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department has identified 1,119 villages across the State as vulnerable to drinking water scarcity, including 22 problematic areas in Bengaluru Urban.

To ensure drinking water supply until September, the department has prepared a village-wise contingency plan that includes hiring 978 private borewells and 254 private tankers, besides deploying 35 departmental tankers. The private borewells alone are expected to supply water to 838 villages.

The department mapped the extent of vulnerability across villages and gram panchayats and accordingly estimated the number of government tankers. It has hired private tankers and private borewells required to maintain drinking water supply until the situation improves. As per the department’s mapping, borewells are preferred wherever a reliable groundwater source is available, as they provide a more sustained and cost-effective supply than transporting water by tankers.

Bidar has emerged as the most vulnerable district, with 93 villages across 65 gram panchayats identified as prone to scarcity, followed by Bengaluru South and Shivamogga.

In contrast, Vijayapura, Kodagu and Gadag are the least vulnerable districts, though a few gram panchayats have been identified for intervention. In Vijayapura, for instance, 27 gram panchayats have been identified, but no villages.

Source: Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department

B. Fouzia Taranum, Commissioner, Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, told The Hindu that the contingency plan was prepared after analysing drinking water scarcity patterns over the past 10 years.

“We studied data from the last 10 years to identify the villages, gram panchayats and districts at the highest risk. Some villages face scarcity only in certain habitations, so we assessed how best to address those situations. The plans have been drawn up till September so that people do not face day-to-day drinking water scarcity,” she said.

Explaining the district-wise planning, Ms. Taranum said, “For instance, in Bidar, seven private tankers will be utilised alongside eight private borewells to supply water to nine vulnerable villages. The State government has already sanctioned ₹117 crore for scarcity mitigation,” she added.

The official added that the rates for hiring private borewells are fixed by district administrations based on water availability and yield, generally ranging between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000 per month.

Karnataka’s rainfall deficit this monsoon has been attributed partly to the delayed onset of the southwest monsoon due to a strong El Nino. The State recorded 191 mm of rainfall between June 1 and 8, against the normal 266 mm, marking a deficit of 28%. Although rainfall has improved slightly in July, the department has prepared the contingency plan till September, when water availability is expected to improve as the monsoon progresses.

Published - July 11, 2026 08:30 pm IST

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