Belagavi is facing a growing drinking water crisis as temperatures continue to soar, causing water levels in the Rakaskop and Hidkal reservoirs, the city's primary water sources, to drop sharply. Officials attribute the rapid depletion to rising evaporation losses due to intense heat, raising concerns over the sustainability of water supply.
Current Water Situation
Belagavi, home to approximately seven lakh residents, requires about 130-135 million litres per day (MLD) of water, primarily drawn from the two reservoirs. The ongoing heatwave has led to a significant decline in storage levels. The Rakaskop reservoir, with a capacity of 0.5 tmcft, currently holds less than 0.1 tmcft of water. Meanwhile, the Hidkal reservoir now contains about 11.9 tmcft, compared to 15.3 tmcft available during the same period last year.
Water Supply Challenges
The city has over 85,000 water connections across 58 wards, with L&T Company managing water supply operations. Despite this, several areas are experiencing acute shortages, with water supplied only once every four to eight days during the summer months. Last year, good rainfall had replenished reservoirs, raising hopes of a problem-free summer, but water shortages persist this year in many areas, including the city.
Daily Pumping and Shortfall
Officials of the water board report that about 40-45 MLD is pumped daily from the Rakaskop reservoir, while Hidkal contributes around 80-85 MLD. Despite these efforts, daily water supply remains elusive in most residential areas, with intermittent supply continuing in the majority of wards.
Expert Insights
Ravikumar, manager at L&T, stated that water supply is being managed according to the summer action plan. He highlighted that the Rakaskop reservoir's storage has fallen to critical levels due to prolonged heat. "As the dam is old, siltation has reduced its storage capacity. The available water in Rakaskop may last only for 30 to 40 days," he said.
Urgent Measures Demanded
Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) corporators met with L&T officials on Monday and directed that the drinking water issue be addressed on priority. Mayor Preeti Kamkar and deputy mayor Hanumant Kongali noted that the shortage is acute in several wards and called for urgent steps to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply during the peak summer period.
