Kannada film actor Vasishta N. Simha is expected to play an active role in awareness drives across Karnataka, including campaigns on lake rejuvenation, rainwater harvesting, and community participation.
| Photo Credit: K. Bhagya Prakash
For conservation of traditional water sources and enhancement of groundwater levels in Karnataka, the Department of Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development has named actor Vasishta Simha as its brand ambassador.
To connect with the younger generation on water conservation, Vasishta Simha has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the department, said Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology N. S. Boseraju.
The actor would play an active role in awareness drives across Karnataka, including campaigns on lake rejuvenation, rainwater harvesting, and community participation. The Minister added that Vasishta Simha has agreed to serve as the ambassador without any remuneration.
The department is launching a special initiative titled ‘Neeriddre Nale – Water is Future’, and it will be rolled out by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar on October 9, said Mr. Boseraju.
Citing the Karnataka Economic Survey 2024–25, the Minister noted that nearly 60% of the State’s total agricultural land is dependent on borewells, a sharp increase from 37% a few decades ago. This trend highlights the growing dependence on groundwater across farming communities, especially in drought-prone and rain-fed regions, where borewells have become the primary source of irrigation.
The Minister cautioned that this reliance has led to a steady decline in groundwater levels.
Published – October 04, 2025 10:20 am IST
