Water shortage likely in 78 villages in Dharwad district during summer

Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. speaking at a review meeting in Dharwad on Monday. Additional Deputy Commissioner Geeta C.D., Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhuvanesh Patil are seen.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad Divya Prabhu G.R.J. has said that based on past data, 78 villages in the district have been identified as prone to drinking water crisis during the summer and already, officials have been directed to take the requisite precautionary measures.

Chairing a review meeting in Dharwad on Monday, she said that additionally, all taluk panchayat offices and urban local bodies should establish helplines to register complaints regarding any shortage of drinking water and fodder supply for livestock and take necessary action.

Ms. Divya Prabhu said that during the summer months of March, April and May, 30 villages in Dharwad taluk, four in Alnavar taluk, 19 in Hubballi taluk, 16 in Kalghatgi taluk and nine in Kundgol taluk are likely to face drinking water crisis.

“A detailed survey and analysis have already been conducted to anticipate which villages will be affected in which months, with 78 villages identified as being at risk,” she said.

As per the assessment, 29 villages in March, 26 in April and 23 in May are likely to experience water shortage and to address it, private borewells have been identified as an alternative source, she said, clarifying that, at present, no villages in the district require tanker water supply.

The Deputy Commissioner said that drinking a total of 60 reservoirs in Navalgund, Annigeri, Hubballi and Kundgol taluks have been filled with Malaprabha canal waters.

Municipal corporations and all town panchayats and city councils have been instructed to take precautionary measures to prevent water shortage and to respond immediately to public complaints, she said.

Clarifying that the district currently has more than the required quantum of fodder, she directed the officials to make proper arrangements to store and distribute it based on demand.

Ms. Divya Prabhu instructed the Urban and Rural Drinking Water Supply Department to ensure that drinking water is clean and free from contamination as summer increases the risk of waterborne diseases.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhuvanesh Patil spoke on various steps taken so far and also precautionary measures.