Belagavi: Farmers in the district are facing significant challenges as they resort to using generators to sustain their crops due to inadequate power supply along the banks of the Krishna River. The high costs associated with renting generators and purchasing diesel have placed a heavy burden on farmers, making irrigation financially burdensome. Meanwhile, residents and students residing in farmhouses in rural areas are also grappling with severe disruptions in power supply.
Struggles of Farmers and Residents
The erratic power supply has made irrigation a daunting task for farmers along the river banks, leading to additional expenses for generator rental and diesel procurement. Despite experiencing rainfall in various parts of the state, the looming threat of summer and drought persists. Farmers in Chikkodi, Athani, Kagwad, and Raibag taluks, situated on the state’s border, are particularly affected, struggling to provide timely water supply to their crops.
Farmers’ Plight and Requests
Santosh Giri, a farmer from Bavansaudatti village in Raibag taluk, highlighted the villagers’ plight, mentioning that they spend two liters of diesel per hour for the generator. Farmers have repeatedly urged authorities to provide a consistent power supply to the river banks for at least seven hours per day.
Official Response and Plans
Taluk administration officials emphasized the priority given to multi-village drinking water schemes in the Krishna river basin during drought situations. Hence, electricity supply to the river basin areas is currently limited to four hours every two days, as directed by the district administration. However, officials anticipate increased rainfall in the next two weeks, leading to improved river inflow and an extension of electricity supply to the river basin areas for seven hours per day.
Addressing Resident Concerns
Anand Nayak, an executive engineer from Raibag, acknowledged the challenges faced by residents of farmhouses in Bavansoudatti village due to power supply issues. He assured that officials would assess the situation and arrange for continuous power supply to address their concerns.
