groundwater Archives - India Podcast

Pawan Kalyan Says “Don’t Kill the Rivers That Give Us Life”

Khazavali — Mon, 25 May 2026 06:41:20 +0000

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan urged people to protect rivers and water resources for future generations. Speaking at a water conservation awareness programme, he said, “Don’t kill the rivers that give us life,” and stressed the need to save water across the state.

Pawan Kalyan said rivers are the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh and support farming, drinking water, and livelihoods. He warned that pollution, excessive water usage, and falling groundwater levels are creating serious problems in many regions. Pawan Kalyan also asked citizens to take part in water conservation efforts and use water responsibly.

The Deputy CM highlighted steps like rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and watershed development projects. The state government has also launched a 100-day water conservation drive to spread awareness and improve groundwater levels in villages.

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Bengaluru Building Rules Eased for Small Plots

Anil Vanna — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 06:11:47 +0000

The Karnataka government on Monday eased building rules for small residential plots in Bengaluru. The urban development department amended the Revised Master Plan 2015. The move ends years of complaints from homeowners facing strict setback norms. Builders expect faster approvals and better use of limited land.

Under the new rules, setback norms now vary by plot size. For 60 sqm plots, the front setback stands at 0.7 metres. Side setbacks measure 0.6 metres each. The rear setback has been removed entirely for this category. For plots up to 150 sqm, officials fixed the front setback at 0.9 metres.

Authorities have capped the building height at 12 metres for plots up to 250 sqm. The stilt floor does not count in this limit. Officials also banned hard paving in setback areas. This step supports rainwater absorption and groundwater recharge.

Urban planners welcomed the decision and called it practical. Engineers said safety remains protected through mandatory NBC 2016 compliance. The changes also simplify basement and parking rules. Mechanical parking systems now gain official approval.

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Groundwater Levels Rise in Telangana

Anil Vanna — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:47:00 +0000

Telangana officials have reported a significant rise in groundwater levels across the state this year. According to the Groundwater Department, levels recorded in May 2025 showed an improvement compared to last year.

The rise is largely attributed to continuous and widespread rainfall over the past several months. Officials said groundwater recharge has been particularly strong in districts that received steady showers since the beginning of the monsoon. The improvement is seen as a positive sign for agriculture and drinking water availability.

In August alone, the state recorded 721 mm of rainfall against the normal 574 mm. This represents an excess of 26 percent compared to the average. The above-normal rainfall contributed directly to the boost in groundwater levels, reversing the earlier concerns of depletion in many areas.

Experts say sustained rainfall patterns have not only enhanced water tables but also reduced the stress on irrigation projects. With better availability of groundwater, farmers are expected to benefit during the upcoming Rabi season. The government has expressed confidence that this rise will help stabilize water supply across rural and urban Telangana.

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