The aerial view of Hidkal Water Reservoir, the major source of drinking water for Belagavi city and other areas.
BELAGAVI
Even as the controversial Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project continues to generate opposition, activists in Karnataka are now up in arms as Karnataka authorities have begun work to divert the Hidkal water to the Hubballi-Dharwad industrial zone.
This has triggered anger among people in Belagavi district as, despite intense resistance, work is ongoing to draw 45 MLD (million litres per day) of Hidkal water towards Hubballi–Dharwad’s industrial zone.
Hidkal Water Reservoir is the major source of drinking water for the people of Belagavi city, including the talukas of Hukkeri and Chikkodi.
With this, there is growing speculation on whether the Irrigation Department, headed by Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar, is getting this project implemented quietly without bringing it to the attention of Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi.
The Rs 300 crore project, designed by KIADB, is now progressing rapidly and facing strong opposition in Belagavi and from a section of people in Dharwad.
The fact that most leaders from Belagavi district have remained conspicuously silent over the issue has angered the people, while water diversion from Hidkal Reservoir to Dharwad’s industrial area by laying a pipeline across a 150-km distance goes unabated. This could lead to a severe drinking water shortage in Belagavi taluka and district, Hukkeri taluka activists claim.
Noted activist Sujit Mulgund said the project to supply water from Hidkal Reservoir to the Dharwad industrial area was earlier halted due to protests by farmers and various organisations.
“But now this pipeline work is quietly underway. We strongly oppose the project. It should be immediately withdrawn or else we will launch an agitation,” warned Mulgund.
Chairman of Kannada Organisations Action Committee Ashok Chandargi has also opposed the diversion of water from Hidkal to Hubballi-Dharwad industrial areas.
He has appealed to the government to immediately withdraw its order to supply 45 MLD water from Hidkal to the twin cities.
