Belagavi, April 29:
With temperatures soaring across the region, Belagavi is facing a looming drinking water crisis as water levels in its key reservoirs — Rakaskop and Hidkal — continue to decline sharply.
For more details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/summer-heat-pushes-belagavi-towards-drinking-water-crisis/articleshow/130586865.cms
The city, home to nearly seven lakh residents, requires around 130–135 million litres per day (MLD) of water. However, the ongoing heatwave and rising evaporation losses have significantly reduced reservoir storage, putting pressure on supply systems.
Rakaskop reservoir, with a capacity of 0.5 tmcft, now holds less than 0.1 tmcft of water. Meanwhile, Hidkal reservoir has dropped to 11.9 tmcft, compared to 15.3 tmcft during the same period last year.
Currently, around 40–45 MLD is being sourced from Rakaskop and 80–85 MLD from Hidkal. Despite this, most parts of the city are experiencing irregular water supply, with residents receiving water only once every four to eight days.
Belagavi has over 85,000 water connections across 58 wards, with L&T managing distribution. However, several areas are reporting acute shortages.
Officials warn that Rakaskop reservoir may sustain supply for only another 30 to 40 days due to extreme heat and reduced storage capacity caused by siltation.
The issue has drawn attention from civic leaders, with Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) corporators urging immediate action. Mayor Preeti Kamkar and Deputy Mayor Hanumant Kongali have called for urgent measures to ensure consistent water supply during peak summer.
Authorities say efforts are underway under a summer action plan, but the worsening situation has raised concerns about water sustainability in the coming weeks.
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