Karnataka warns criminal cases against encroachers of gram panchayat lakes

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Minister Eshwar Khandre has issued a clear warning that any encroachment on lakes owned and maintained by gram panchayats will be removed, and criminal cases will be filed against those responsible. Speaking to reporters on Friday, the Minister stated that such action is necessary to protect vital water resources from further degradation.

According to official data shared by Mr. Khandre, Karnataka has 32,504 lakes under the jurisdiction of gram panchayats. Of these, as many as 11,498 lakes have been encroached upon in some form. He said that encroachments have been cleared from 6,670 lakes so far, but illegal occupation continues on 4,828 lakes covering an area of 11,671 acres. The Minister's remarks underscore the scale of the problem and the government's determination to address it.

The Minister also spoke about the broader challenge of water scarcity in the state. He recently participated in a two-day summit on sustainable water management organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in New Delhi. Karnataka is the second-most drought-prone state in the country, and providing drinking water to rural areas has become a major challenge, he noted. Groundwater levels are declining steadily, he said, due to a combination of geological factors and human activities.

Mr. Khandre explained that the presence of rocks and laterite deposits in many parts of the state prevents rainwater from percolating into the soil. This has contributed to falling groundwater levels. In addition, excessive extraction of groundwater for agriculture and domestic use has further depleted the underground water table. In such circumstances, surface water sources will become the main lifeline in the coming years. Therefore, lakes, tanks, reservoirs, and rivers must be protected; otherwise, the state could face severe water scarcity, he warned.

The Minister also called for a national plan to protect water bodies from pollution caused by waste dumping and encroachment. He raised this issue during the water management summit in New Delhi, emphasising that coordinated efforts are required across states to conserve water resources.

Highlighting Karnataka's proactive steps, Mr. Khandre noted that the state is the first in the country to undertake water budgeting. This exercise helps assess the quantity of water available in a specific geographical area, along with current and future demand. He said that water budgeting has enabled the government to prepare a scientific and systematic plan for balanced water supply.

The Minister also mentioned that a continuous drinking water supply scheme has been implemented in 268 villages across Karnataka. This scheme has resulted in a saving of 7% of drinking water, he added, demonstrating that efficient management can make a tangible difference.

Environmental experts have welcomed the government's tough stance on encroachment but say that sustained efforts are needed. They point out that lakes play a critical role in recharging groundwater, preventing floods, and supporting local biodiversity. The encroachment of lake beds and catchment areas not only reduces water storage capacity but also increases the risk of pollution and flooding in urban and rural areas.

The RDPR department oversees local governance, including gram panchayats, which are responsible for managing common property resources like lakes. The Minister's warning signals a shift towards stricter enforcement of existing laws. However, implementation will require close coordination between revenue authorities, police, and local bodies.

Residents of rural areas, who often depend on lakes for drinking water, irrigation, and livestock, have expressed support for the government's move. Many have urged authorities to act quickly and transparently, ensuring that genuine farmers and residents are not harassed while removing illegal structures.

The state government has not yet specified a timeline for clearing the remaining encroachments. The Minister's statement indicates that information about each encroachment is being compiled and that legal proceedings will follow. Observers believe this could become a model for other states grappling with similar challenges.

As Karnataka faces mounting pressure on its water resources, the protection of surface water bodies is emerging as a policy priority. The move to file criminal cases against encroachers is a strong deterrent, but long-term solutions require integrated water management, community participation, and sustainable agricultural practices.