Karnataka’s latest Minor Irrigation and Water Bodies Census has identified 1.4 million groundwater wells and 39,000 water bodies, providing a comprehensive data set that will reshape irrigation planning and water conservation strategies across the state.
- 1.418 million groundwater wells mapped in Karnataka
- Nearly 39,000 lakes and water bodies identified
- Data to inform water security and irrigation policies
The seventh Minor Irrigation Census and the second Census of Water Bodies in Karnataka, completed in August 2026, mapped 1.418 million groundwater wells—including borewells and open wells—used exclusively for agriculture, along with 77,573 surface water schemes and 39,000 lakes covering up to 2,000 hectares of command area.
Funded by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and based on the 2023‑24 reference year, the survey covered 30,671 villages, 300 urban local bodies, and 7,128 urban wards. The data excludes urban drinking water borewells but provides a granular view of agricultural water use across the state.
Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology Minister Ajay Singh stated, “The census data will help prioritize water security interventions in drought‑affected areas, rejuvenate lakes, recharge groundwater, and strengthen minor irrigation infrastructure.”
With annual groundwater extraction dropping from 68.44% in 2024 to 66.49% in 2025 and recharge capacity rising from 18.74 BCM to 19.28 BCM, the findings underscore a positive trend in sustainable water management.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Karnataka’s detailed mapping provides a critical foundation for data‑driven irrigation and conservation strategies, enabling farmers and policymakers to target interventions where they are most needed.
"Accurate groundwater mapping is the first step in combating water scarcity," says hydrologist Dr. Pawan Kumar.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Karnataka have so many groundwater wells?
- How will this data benefit farmers?
