Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology N S Boseraju on Thursday said the state will give special priority to increasing groundwater levels by clearing encroachments on 41,849 lakes and filling them with water by December this year.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the 'Water is Future–Neeridare Naale' project, Boseraju said encroachments on more than 35,000 lakes have already been removed, with progress reviewed monthly.

A statement from the minister’s office said filling lakes in the H N Valley and K C Valley regions has led to a rise in groundwater levels.

Currently, 1,018 lakes are being filled annually, supplying water to 25 lakh acres through the Minor Irrigation Department. All lakes have been rejuvenated through local lake societies

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