Crisis looms in 126 villages as water levels dip in Belagavi

Caption: Rakaskoppa reservoir, the main source of water supply to Belagavi cityBelagavi: With temperatures rising steadily, reservoir and groundwater levels across Belagavi district are declining at an alarming pace, triggering concerns over a possible drinking water crisis in the coming weeks. District administration sources said more than 126 villages are likely to face water shortages, with 32 villages already categorised as severely water-scarce. In these areas, drinking water is currently being supplied through private borewells as an emergency measure.Belagavi district is home to several water bodies, including the Krishna River and its tributaries—Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, Vedaganga, Dudhaganga, Hiranyakeshi and Markandeya. However, as summer intensifies, water levels in rivers, reservoirs, open wells and borewells have dropped sharply. The falling groundwater table has resulted in drinking water shortages in several towns and villages, including parts of Belagavi city.Water levels in the Hidkal and Rakaskoppa reservoirs, the primary sources of drinking water for Belagavi city, have also fallen. Officials said siltation has reduced Hidkal's storage capacity, and the reservoir currently holds about 20 TMC feet of water, which is sufficient for only 45 days. High evaporation rates and rapid depletion have heightened concerns over potential drinking water shortages for both people and livestock.Signs of groundwater depletion are also evident in urban areas. In response, the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has allocated Rs 25 lakh in the current year's budget to improve the drinking water supply and develop open wells within city limits. Plans have been drawn up to strengthen alternative sources by cleaning and reviving existing wells and drilling new borewells where necessary.Residents have raised concerns over water quality and infrastructure issues. Santosh, a resident of Shahu Nagar, alleged that damaged drainage lines in some areas are polluting groundwater. He said that without sustainable water sources and effective rainwater harvesting, the problem cannot be resolved permanently.Meanwhile, villagers have complained that several taps installed under the Jal Jeevan Mission are not functioning properly. There are also concerns that water supplied through private borewells in some areas contains high fluoride levels.Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan said drinking water problems could worsen if the summer intensifies across the 126 gram panchayats identified as vulnerable. "Potential problem areas have already been identified, and preparations are under way. Tankers will be used to supply drinking water in places facing severe shortages," he said.Officials said reservoir levels are being monitored closely and steps are being taken to ensure adequate water supply for both farmers and residents. Action will be initiated against private water tankers in urban areas if they charge exorbitant rates.