The Government of Karnataka, through the Water Resources Department, has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Karnataka Irrigation Rules, 1965, under Section 71 of the Karnataka Irrigation Act, 1965 (Karnataka Act 16 of 1965).
The draft, titled the Karnataka Irrigation (Amendment) Rules, 2025, aims to modernize irrigation governance, streamline groundwater usage permissions, and enhance the procedural framework for appeals and registrations under the Act.
Public objections or suggestions can be submitted within 15 days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette (29TH OCTOBER 2025) to:
The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Water Resources Department, Room No. 306, 3rd Floor, Vikasa Soudha, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedi, Bengaluru-560001.
Key Highlights of the Draft Rules
1. Terminology Update
- The term “Public Works” has been replaced with “Water Resources” in clauses (b) and (g) of Rule 2, aligning terminology with current departmental nomenclature.
2. Revised Designation
- In Rule 17-A, the designation “Assistant Engineer” is replaced with “Irrigation Officer as notified under Section 3 of the Act”.
3. New Groundwater-Related Rules Introduced (Rules 17-C to 17-H)
| Rule | Description | Key Purpose |
| 17-C | Defines the Prescribed Officer for Sections 28A–28C | The Irrigation Officer or authorized officer will handle permissions. |
| 17-D | Application process to extract/use groundwater within 500 meters of irrigation canals | To be made using Form 17. |
| 17-E | Registration of borewells under the Ganga Kalyan Scheme | Through Form 18. |
| 17-F | Permit/NOC issuance for new groundwater users | Officer must act within 60 days, following Section 28A(6). |
| 17-G | Registration/Renewal for existing users | Through Form 20. |
| 17-H | Certificate issuance for registered users | Within 60 days, ensuring compliance with Section 28B(5). |
4. Fee Revision
- In Rule 23B, the document fee has been increased from 50 paise per page to ₹2 per page, with a minimum of ₹10 per application or document.
5. New Procedures for Enquiries and Appeals
| Rule | Subject | Key Details |
| 23-C | Procedure for non-summary enquiries | Evidence must be recorded in full, and the officer’s decision written in his own hand. |
| 23-D | Procedure for filing and hearing appeals | Detailed format and process for first and second appeals under Section 65; includes provisions for delays, adjournments, and hearing rules. |
6. Amendment to Form 14
- A new condition mandates applicants to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Irrigation Officer to the ESCOMs before drawing water for irrigation works.
7. Introduction of New Forms
| Form No. | Purpose | Linked Rule |
| Form 17 | Application for groundwater extraction permission/NOC | 17-D |
| Form 18 | Registration of borewell under Ganga Kalyan Scheme | 17-E |
| Form 19 | Permit/NOC for new groundwater use | 17-F |
| Form 20 | Registration/Renewal of existing groundwater users | 17-G |
| Form 21 | Certificate of Registration/Renewal issuance | 17-H |
Objective of the Amendment
The proposed amendments focus on:
- Regulating groundwater extraction near irrigation structures,
- Standardizing procedures for permits, registrations, and appeals,
- Enhancing transparency and accountability in irrigation management, and
- Integrating digital and administrative efficiency across the Water Resources Department.
Public Participation Invited
Citizens, farmers, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback within 15 days of publication. The State Government will review all inputs before finalizing the Karnataka Irrigation (Amendment) Rules, 2025 for official notification.
Conclusion
With these draft amendments, the Karnataka Government continues its efforts toward sustainable water management, efficient irrigation governance, and improved service delivery for agricultural stakeholders.