Karnataka to launch drive to secure unsafe open borewells
The Karnataka government is launching the 'Borewell Suraksha Abhiyan' to identify and secure abandoned or unsafe open borewells across the state. The initiative aims to prevent accidents involving children and will include a public reporting system.
Why it matters
Open borewells are a significant safety hazard in rural and semi-urban India, and this proactive government policy addresses a recurring public safety crisis.
The Karnataka government will launch a State-wide campaign to identify and safely close unsafe open borewells, particularly those that have been abandoned or have failed to yield water, Minor Irrigation and Science and Technology Minister Ajay Dharam Singh said on Monday.
The ‘Borewell Suraksha Abhiyan’ will begin with the verification of failed and defunct borewells drilled under the Minor Irrigation Department. The Ground Water Development Directorate has been asked to prepare an action plan for their identification, verification, safe closure and monitoring.
“Not a single open borewell should be allowed to become a threat to a child’s life. In the first phase, we will verify all failed and defunct borewells drilled under the Minor Irrigation Department and ensure that every unsafe borewell is properly secured and closed,” Mr. Singh said.
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