Karnataka government declares 2019 as ‘Year of Water’

In Bangaluru, the Government of Karnataka has declared 2019 as the ‘Year of Water (or Jalavarsha)’ to emphasise the importance of water becoming a scarce commodity and the need to conserve it. The declaration will apply to all government departments. This initiative is expected to spread water literacy, focus on conservation, promotion of smart water usage and encourage green initiatives. A sum of Rs 500 crore and an additional `100 crore has been granted to implement the initiative, under which, over 14,000 water bodies across the state will be rejuvenated over the next two years. Under this movement, various activities and campaigns related to water conservation, protection and rejuvenation of waterbodies will be taken up through government departments; educational institutions and NGOs.