The continuous dry spell in Karnataka State for three years has depleted the ground water resources, which has forced the State Government to take drastic steps to ensure drinking water supply by recharging aquifers. In view of this situation the State Government has decided to construct over 100 barrages in this financial year in seven river basins, including Krishna and Cauvery. The barrages would be constructed in arid and semi-arid regions to store water during summer and to ensure recharging of the water table. Priority will be given to supply of drinking water and, later, irrigation needs, according to a Government Order (GO) that was recently issued.