Cauvery flow decline triggers water crisis in 12 Kodagu villages

Madikeri: A sharp decline in Cauvery River flow near Hebbale has triggered drinking water shortages in 12 villages of Kushalnagar taluk in Kodagu district.For nearly two decades, Cauvery water supplied drinking needs in villages such as Hebbale, Marur, Huluse, Hakke, Kanive, Kudige, Kudumangalur, Vijayanagar, Kudlur, Navagram and Gummanakolli. The sudden stoppage has caused serious concern among residents.The crisis has worsened due to intense summer heat, which has dried up local water sources. Water stored in the Harangi reservoir is also being lost to evaporation. Though 300 to 500 cusecs are being released from Harangi into the river for people and livestock, much of it is evaporating before reaching affected areas. Residents are now depending on rainfall in the Cauvery catchment in the coming days for relief.In Aiguru village of Somwarpet taluk, prolonged heat and lack of rain have sharply depleted groundwater. Wells have dried up, borewell levels have fallen, and the Chorana stream has turned dry. Cattle are struggling for water and fodder, while farmers fear damage to coffee and pepper crops. Experts blame deforestation, overuse of groundwater, neglect of lakes and ponds, and climate change, and have called for rainwater harvesting and water conservation measures.