Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi has issued a stark warning that Belagavi city has water supply only until the end of July, raising concerns about an impending water crisis in the region. The minister attributed the shortage to inadequate water releases from the Krishna River, compounded by Maharashtra's reluctance to share water downstream.
Current Water Situation in Belagavi
Speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said the existing water reserves in Belagavi's reservoirs can sustain the city's needs only for another month. He emphasized that without additional inflows, the water supply would be severely impacted by August. The minister urged residents to use water judiciously and prepare for potential rationing.
Maharashtra's Stance on Water Release
Jarkiholi stated that Maharashtra is unlikely to release the expected 2 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water downstream into the Krishna River due to its own water shortages. This development has exacerbated the crisis for Belagavi, which relies heavily on Krishna water for drinking and irrigation. The minister noted that inter-state water sharing agreements have not been honored, leading to tensions between the two states.
According to Jarkiholi, the Karnataka government has raised the issue with the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal and is seeking intervention from the central government. He said, "We have urged Maharashtra to release the agreed-upon water, but they cite their own drought-like conditions. We are exploring all legal and diplomatic options to secure water for our people."
Impact on Agriculture and Daily Life
The water shortage threatens not only domestic supply but also agricultural activities in the Belagavi district. Farmers, who depend on Krishna water for irrigation, face potential crop losses if water is not released soon. The minister warned that the situation could lead to economic distress and urged the state government to expedite relief measures.
Jarkiholi also highlighted that the city's water supply department is implementing contingency plans, including digging borewells and deploying water tankers to critical areas. However, these measures are temporary and insufficient to address the long-term deficit.
Call for Long-Term Solutions
The minister called for a permanent resolution to the water-sharing dispute with Maharashtra, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive river basin management plan. He suggested that both states should collaborate on rainwater harvesting and water conservation projects to mitigate future crises. Jarkiholi said, "We cannot rely solely on monsoon rains or inter-state agreements. We must invest in sustainable water management practices."
As the deadline approaches, Belagavi's residents face an uncertain summer, with the government scrambling to avert a full-blown water emergency. The Karnataka government has assured that all efforts are being made to ensure continuous water supply, but the situation remains critical.
