Kolar water table rises to 50-100 ft. under K.C. Valley project, says IISc

Kolar's groundwater levels rise to 50-100 ft due to the K.C. Valley project, ensuring clean water and improved health outcomes.

The groundwater level in parts of Kolar have risen significantly under the K.C. Valley project, with water now available at depths of just 50 to 100 ft. compared to nearly 1,800 ft. earlier, said the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), adding that sustained monitoring since 2019 has found no adverse impact on water quality, public health, soil, crops, or livestock. 

During a project review meeting on Monday where government officials and Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda were present, IISc officials said the project has significantly improved groundwater availability across Kolar and surrounding districts, with 144 lakes being replenished and wells in the region also showing increased water level.

They said groundwater is being treated through a five-stage purification process, resulting in clean water that is free from odour and colour. Multiple rounds of research conducted by the IISc have found no traces of harmful metal elements in the water.  

The officials also noted that there had been no impact on human or animal health, with livestock too safely consuming the water and no reported issues in agricultural inputs.

“Crops such as fenugreek, cucumber, beetroot, tomato, and other flowering plants are being cultivated successfully, while soil quality has improved across the region,” the institute said, dismissing allegations of excessive nitrogen content in the soil, stating that there is no difference in soil quality between irrigated and non-irrigated ones.  

The institute said there is also an increase in bird populations and healthy aquatic life in lakes.