Belagavi braces for water crisis as reservoir levels plummet

Belagavi: With mercury rising, water levels in Belagavi's reservoirs are dropping rapidly. The department of rural drinking water and sanitation has identified 423 villages at risk of severe water shortage this summer. To combat the crisis, the district administration is preparing to supply water via tankers. ZP CEO Rahul Shinde recently chaired a meeting to address the situation.
Although there are many projects related to drinking water supply in Belagavi district, there is a possibility of water shortage during summer months. There is a total of 63 multi-village drinking water projects in the district, of which 25 are in Belagavi division and 38 are in the Chikodi division.
According to the officials of the rural drinking water and sanitation department, a list of 423 villages showing signs of water scarcity has been prepared. These villages may face water shortage if there is no timely rain this year. Of these villages, 327 are in Chikodi and 96 are in Belagavi division.
Virupaksh K, former gram panchayat member of Umarani in Chikodi, said that more than 10 multi-village drinking water projects in Chikodi division depend on Krishna river. There will be no problem until April 15. If the water in the source dries up, then there will be problems in the villages of Athani and Raibag taluk.
According to rural drinking water and sanitation department, there are more than 1,200 borewells in Belagavi district. Villagers allege that the water from many borewells is not suitable for drinking. They have been demanding that an alternative arrangement be made.
According to information from officials of the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited, Renuka Sagar (Naviluteertha) reservoir on the Malaprabha River, which has a maximum storage capacity of 37.7 tmcft, was at a live storage of 12 tmcft as of March 25. Raja Lakhamagouda reservoir (Hidkal dam), which has a maximum storage capacity of 51 tmcft, was at a live storage of 23.8 tmcft of water.
The flow of water from the dams in Belagavi district to agricultural fields has been stopped, and is being used only for drinking purposes.
Complaints are being heard that the drinking water supply in Belagavi city is inadequate. The L&T company, which supplies drinking water to Belagavi city, has prepared a schedule to supply drinking water to such areas. However, residents allege that this schedule is not being followed properly.
L&T officials informed that there is currently sufficient water in reservoirs. They are conserving and supplying water so that there is no problem during summer, while appealing for moderate use. Water tankers are available to supply water in case of any problems.
Zilla panchayat CEO Rahul Sindhe instructed gram panchayat officials to prepare for water supply tankers.