In the quest for groundwater this summer, people are relying on both modern technology and the ancient practice of divining, according to Hindu.
A month back, the state government used ISRO’s images to locate borewells in four taluks in three districts of north Karnataka — Indi in Vijayapura; Afzalpur and Aland in Kalaburagi; and Kundagol in Dharwad.
Tadavalaga and Aland have become tanker free thanks to borewells located by satellite images. Both Taluks have been dependant on tankers. In other spots however, there is still a huge demand for water tankers. Even in the state capital.
A gated community on Kanakapura Main Road wanted a borewell, and they took help from Bora Linga, a diviner who claims to know groundwater by the throbbing of his veins. He identified a spot on the 12 acre campus and said there was water there; and did not disappoint.
There are two dozen water diviners in Karnataka. They charge 5000-7000 for every find. Scientists however, question the practice.
Science does not believe in divining. There is no meaning attached to this coinage, ‘water diviners’.K.C. Subhash Chandra, hydro-geologist
This practice is however very popular with residents who say its cheaper and less time consuming.
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