Bagalakote: Amid floods, the District is facing drinking water shortage for animals and people in rural areas. Though at present the district is not facing severe water scarcity, however if the administration will not take any action now then the problem may be serious in future.
No water scarcity is seen as far as Krishna River is concerned now but the shortage of water is seen in Ghataprabha River. Eventhough Water Resource Minister Govind Karjol ordered for releasing of 1 TMC water to Ghataprabha from Hidkal Dam yet the water will be used for agriculture not for drinking. On the other hand there is also shortage of water in Malaprabha River. The villages which are depending on this river have been being supplied borewell water. If water is not released from Naviluteerth Dam then definitely the Taluks like Badami and Hunagund may face water deficiency.
There are 661 villages in 9 Taluks of the District. Among them 442 villages are being supplied water though river sources, and the rest 219 villages are getting water by borewells. Four villages of Badami Taluk and three villages of Hunagund Taluk may face severe drinking water deficiency.
Till date no funds from the government have been released by the authorities for the proper supply of drinking water. Though summer has begun, the Taskforce Committee Meeting has not been conducted yet.
In all, 727 pure drinking water unit have been established in the District. Rural people are dependent on these units. But many units are not working. The officials and leaders are least bothered about the issue.
Speaking to NewsKarnataka Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department Assistang Executive Engineer Vilas Rathod said that, currently the District has no drinking water deficiency. “It’s true that some villages of Badami and Hunagund Taluks may face problem. However, we are planning to supply water from private borewells. There is less water in Malaprabha River and the water is released to Ghataprabha River now. Krishna River has no scarcity.”
He further said, “if pure drinking water is not available, the public may call helpline number 9480985555. Within 48 hours the issue will be sorted out,” he added.
