BELAGAVI
Belagavi is staring at a huge water scarcity in recent times due to the weak monsoons in 2023. The soaring temperatures are adding to the problem as the major water resources supplying water to the city and the district are depleting at a faster pace.
Amid the severe water crisis, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah has written a letter to his Maharashtra counterpart urging him to release water from Koyana and other dams to Krishna River.
Presiding over an emergency drought management meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority held in the hall of the District Collector’s office, Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil has directed officials to initiate stringent measures to ensure supply of water in the district.
“It is observed that water is being lifted in the rivers through unauthorised pump sets. Officials must immediately check and seize such pump sets and take action. Ensure that water is supplied through tankers in places where there is a problem of drinking water,” Patil said.
He also said farmers should be provided three-phase power for 4 hours a day in the current situation. “Three-phase electricity should be supplied for 4 days in a week for 4 hours only for the next 10 days. There is no problem if water is released from Maharashtra reservoirs in 10 days. In case the water is not released, action will be taken after 10 days to check the water level in the reservoirs regarding power supply,” Patil said.
He also directed Tehsildars concerned that if water is supplied through tankers, payment should be made only through tanker management software.
Stating that water is already being supplied in tankers Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Rahul Shinde said that exact areas for supply should be identified and water should be used properly as per the need.
District Superintendent of Police Dr Bhima Shankar Guleda, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Lokesh and other officials were present.
