Operation Kaveri is a flagship program launched by the Indian government to provide drought relief and water conservation measures to the drought-affected areas of the country. It is aimed at promoting sustainable water management practices and improving the livelihoods of farmers in these areas.
The program was launched in 2017, with an initial budget of INR 1,500 crores. The focus of the program is to revive water bodies, build check dams, desilt canals, and repair traditional water harvesting structures like tanks and ponds. The program also aims to promote efficient use of water in agriculture, by providing farmers with training in crop selection, irrigation methods, and water-saving techniques.
One of the key objectives of Operation Kaveri is to increase the water table in drought-prone areas by promoting groundwater recharge. The program includes the drilling of bore wells and the construction of recharge wells, rainwater harvesting structures, and percolation ponds. The government has also implemented a policy of mandatory water conservation measures for industries, housing societies, and commercial establishments in the drought-affected areas.
The program has been implemented in several states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. In Maharashtra, Operation Kaveri has helped revive over 800 water bodies and create over 30,000 recharge structures. The program has also helped increase the groundwater level in the region and improved the livelihoods of farmers. In Karnataka, the government has focused on repairing traditional water harvesting structures like tanks and ponds, which has helped improve the water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes.
The success of Operation Kaveri has led to its expansion to other states like Telangana, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The government has also planned to introduce a mobile application for farmers to access information on weather, soil health, and water availability. The app will also provide farmers with market information and support for selling their crops.
