Water Resources in Karnataka

Emerging Challenges & Options

Presentation by

V.P. Baligar IAS.,Principal Secretary to Government

Commerce & Industries Department

Status Karnataka - a pioneer in industrial development,

presently among the industrially most advanced States in the Country

Strong industrial base : 3,50,000 SSI units & 2,000 medium / large units

Industry contributes substantially to the GSDP, revenue to the Government, exports & employment

Investment Approvals in Karnataka

Years No. Investment (Rs. cr.)

Employment (lakh Nos.)

1991-03 (12 yrs.)1991-03 (12 yrs.) 1793 1793 1,32,421 1,32,421 7.27 7.27

Average p.a. (1991-03 )(1991-03 ) 149 11,035 0.61

2003-04 194 12,638 2.02

2004-05 231 36,243 2.47

2005-06 359 73,164 13.10

2006-07 946 1,02,210 15.06

2007-08 758 1,63,757 21.75

Investment Approvals in Karnataka

12,638

36,243

73,164

102,210

163,757

5000

25000

45000

65000

85000

105000

125000

145000

165000

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Years

Rs. cro

re

Employment Opportunities in Karnataka

2.02 2.47

13.1015.06

21.75

1

4

7

10

13

16

19

22

25

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Years

Lak

h N

os.

Rapid Industrialization

Investment approvals averaging Rs. 11,000 cr. p.a. (during 1991-92 to 2002-03)

Last four years - phenomenal growth

Investment approvals increased from Rs.12,638 cr.

(2003-04) to Rs.1,63,757 cr.(2007-08) - 13 fold increase in 4 years

Nearly 10% of the population of Karnataka can get employment

Water-intensive mega projects in Core Sector (Steel & Cement) in Krishna Basin, adding value to mineral resources

Cauvery Basin : IT, ITES, automobile, hardware, hi-tech industries, etc.

More investment in Integrated Townships around Bangalore

Consequence - huge spurt in demand for water

Rapid Industrialization (contd.)

Constraints & Challenges Meeting this unprecedented demand for water with

limited availability

Besides water, there is substantial demand for land, power and other infrastructure

Increased demand for potable water due to large scale employment by hi-tech / IT industries in Bangalore & Mysore districts in Cauvery basin

Low water allocation for industry (barely 3% in Krishna

Basin & 0.4 % in Cauvery Basin) by Tribunals

Current National industrial water consumption is 6%.

Projected to be 10 % by 2050 - National Commission for

Integrated Water Resources Development (1999)

Constraints & Challenges (contd.)

No separate allocation for Power Sector - Industry to share with

Power Sector

Of the 20 TMC allocated for industry, over 50 % is used by

thermal power plants in Krishna Basin

Annual industrial water (excl. power projects) requirements by

2025 projected at :

- 1.85 lakh MG (29.70 TMC) in Krishna Basin (20 TMC)- 3.02 lakh MG (48.50 TMC) in Cauvery Basin (available 4 TMC)

Constraints & Challenges (contd.)

Main Challenges

Ensuring adequate water

supply to the new industrial

and service sector projects

Mandatory recycling of water

Treatment of sewage water through PPP

Rainwater harvesting to be made compulsory

Rewarding industries for conservation of water

Monitoring allocations vis-à-vis availability

Strategic Options – Short-term

Explore the possibilities of re-appropriating unutilized allotment to irrigation for industries

One TMC water is earmarked for irrigating every 1000 ha. of land

Strategic Options – Short-term (contd.)

Siting of water-intensive industries around

perennial sources of water

Evolve norms for water consumption

Mandatory Water Audit for water-intensive

industries

Strategic Options – Medium-term

Seek higher & separate allocations of water for industry and power sectors

Identify potential / untapped resources of water & harness to augment availability

Strategic Options – Long-term

Outcome Enhanced investment flow into the State -

accelerated economic growth

Leverage mineral & other natural resources for value added products

Development of backward regions

Greater awareness amongst all stakeholders on optimum / judicial usage of water

Thank you