Dark zone areas in Karnataka
5 of 31 districts in Karnataka pumped out more groundwater than was recharged in 2025 (over-exploited, the "dark zone"). 2 more were critical and 6 semi-critical. Across the state, 66% of the extractable groundwater was used.
Over-exploited districts (5)
Stage of extraction above 100% in 2025.
Critical districts (2)
Stage of extraction 90–100% in 2025.
Semi-critical districts (6)
Stage of extraction 70–90% in 2025.
Getting worse fastest
Rise in stage of extraction since 2017, in percentage points.
- Bengaluru (Urban): 144% in 2017 to 177% in 2025
- Bengaluru (Rural): 123% in 2017 to 147% in 2025
- Chitradurga: 115% in 2017 to 133% in 2025
What a dark zone means for you
Borewells go deeper every few years and some run dry in summer. New groundwater use for business needs a CGWA NOC with recharge conditions. The fix is to put rain back: at 700 mm of rain a year, a 100 m² house roof recharges about 60,000 litres.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas of Karnataka are in the dark zone?
In CGWB's 2025 assessment, 5 of 31 districts in Karnataka were over-exploited (dark zone): Kolara, Bengaluru (Urban), Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru (Rural), Chitradurga.
Is Karnataka's groundwater over-exploited overall?
The state pumped out 66% of its extractable groundwater in 2025, which CGWB classes as safe.
Can I get a new borewell in a dark zone of Karnataka?
Homes usually can, with local registration; some cities restrict new borewells. Industry, infrastructure, mining and commercial users need a Central Ground Water Authority NOC, which in over-exploited areas carries tighter limits and recharge conditions.
Source: CGWB Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment 2025, district figures. CGWB classifies blocks (assessment units); a district's figure is the average of its blocks, so a district shown here as safe can still contain over-exploited blocks.