The proposed body will review irrigation patterns and promote water economy using modern technology.
BENGALURU
Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday announced that the State government plans to establish a permanent Karnataka State Water Commission (SWC) on the lines of the Central Water Commission (CWC) to oversee, regulate, and manage water resources more efficiently.
The proposed regulatory body, to be composed of irrigation experts, engineers, and government officials, will prepare a 50-year water security roadmap for the State. “A permanent water commission is essential to ensure accountability in water use, monitoring of irrigation projects, and advising the government on inter-State river disputes and other issues linked to agriculture, water, and the environment,” Shivakumar said at a media interaction ahead of the release of his book Neerina Hejje (Footprints of Water).
He pointed out that some existing water-related bodies have become ineffective, functioning merely as rehabilitation centres for retired officials and judicial members. The proposed SWC, he said, would combine the roles of monitoring, advisory, and regulatory authority to bring transparency and efficiency to water management.
Shivakumar, who has extensively researched and documented the history of inter-State and international river water disputes in his upcoming book, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will release it on Wednesday.
He added that the government would soon introduce a bill in the Legislative Assembly to formally establish the SWC, which will be tasked with preparing reports on ensuring long-term water availability in urban centres, including Bengaluru.
SWC to Tackle Climate and Irrigation Challenges
The proposed State Water Commission will also address the climate crisis by studying weather patterns, assessing dam and reservoir capacity, and recommending measures to manage excess rainfall and drought conditions. It will advise on new irrigation projects, development of water bodies, and enhancement of natural water resources, ensuring Karnataka’s sustainable water future.
