Belagavi, June 1: Belagavi district is facing a growing drinking water crisis as reservoir levels continue to fall amid delayed monsoon rains and intense summer heat. The situation is particularly alarming in rural areas, where several villages have already begun depending on water tankers and private borewells for daily needs.
Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/belagavi-stares-at-drinking-water-crisis-as-reservoir-levels-dip/articleshow/131426252.cms
The city’s primary drinking water source, Rakaskop Reservoir, is nearing depletion. With a total capacity of 0.5 tmcft, the reservoir currently holds less than 0.05 tmcft of water, enough to meet demand for only 10 to 15 days. Belagavi city, home to nearly seven lakh residents, requires around 130–135 million litres of water per day (MLD).
Water levels in other major reservoirs have also declined sharply. Hidkal Reservoir currently contains 6.8 tmcft of water, significantly lower than the 10 tmcft recorded during the same period last year. Meanwhile, the Malaprabha Reservoir at Savadatti has around 5.9 tmcft of usable storage remaining. The reservoir supplies drinking water to more than 40 villages in Savadatti and Ramdurg taluks and also serves the Hubballi-Dharwad region.
Rural Areas Under Pressure
More than 60 villages across the district are experiencing water shortages. The situation is most severe in parts of Athani, Ramdurg, Bailhongal, Savadatti, Khanapur, and Raibag taluks, where residents are increasingly dependent on tanker water supplies. Several gram panchayats are sourcing water from private borewells to meet daily demand.
Authorities Prepare Response
Managing the remaining water resources has become a key challenge for district authorities. Officials from the irrigation department are expected to hold a meeting under the regional commissioner to finalize water distribution and drinking water management strategies.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde said helplines will be established in every taluk to address water-related grievances and ensure timely supply based on local requirements. The Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department has also initiated alternative arrangements to provide water to affected villages.
With monsoon rains yet to arrive, authorities remain on alert as the district faces increasing pressure to sustain drinking water supplies in the coming weeks.
Reservoir Status (May 31):
| Reservoir | Capacity | Current Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Rakaskop | 0.5 tmcft | Less than 0.05 tmcft |
| Hidkal | 51 tmcft | 6.8 tmcft |
| Malaprabha | 37.73 tmcft | 5.9 tmcft |
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