Karnataka Initiates Summer Repair Drive for Rural Water Purification Units
In response to a critical situation, the rural development and panchayat raj department in Karnataka has launched a comprehensive repair drive this summer. The initiative aims to address the non-functionality of one in six rural drinking water purification units across the state, focusing on improving maintenance and ensuring proper fund allocation.
Current State of Water Purification Infrastructure
Out of 19,638 units installed statewide, 3,380 are currently under repair, leaving approximately 17% of the infrastructure temporarily defunct. While the overall functionality rate stands at 83%, the distribution is highly uneven. Several districts, particularly in North Karnataka, are experiencing acute disruptions, raising significant concerns over access to safe drinking water in already water-stressed regions.
District-Wide Disparities in Functionality
Kalaburagi and Yadgir districts are at the bottom, with nearly half of their units under repair. Koppal, Gadag, and Vijayapura also report high levels of disruption. In contrast, districts such as Shivamogga, Hassan, Udupi, and Bengaluru Rural demonstrate better functionality, indicating relatively stronger maintenance systems.
Funding Mismatches and Financial Challenges
A key concern highlighted by officials is the mismatch between repair needs and funds released. For instance, Vijayapura has 250 units under repair but has received only Rs 10 lakh, while Gadag, with 193 defunct units, has been allocated Rs 62 lakh. Conversely, Kalaburagi and Koppal, among the worst affected, have received relatively higher allocations of Rs 179 lakh and Rs 140 lakh, respectively.
Lavish Ordia, CEO of Yadgir zilla panchayat, explained that most reverse osmosis (RO) plants in the district were established between 2012 and 2017 and later handed over to gram panchayats for operations and maintenance. He noted that water is supplied at Rs 5 for 20 litres, with each RO plant typically catering to 3-4 gram panchayats. However, the annual O&M cost of each unit is around Rs 1.5 lakh, covering electricity and membrane cleaning and replacement, while returns remain low, with units earning barely Rs 100-200 a day, making them financially unviable.
Root Causes of Disrepair
Ordia pointed out that low usage is a primary reason many units have fallen into disrepair. He stated that most households prefer borewell water, which they find sweeter, and even when RO water is provided for free, uptake is poor. Additionally, vandalism, such as tampering with or stealing coin boxes, has further compounded the problem.
In Bagalkot, which has 780 RO units, 188 are currently under repair, with Rs 55 lakh allocated by the government so far. Shashidhar Kurer, CEO of Bagalkot ZP, identified three main challenges in rural areas: dried-up plants, unused units, and poor management by agencies. He emphasized that many RO plants have become defunct due to a lack of proper O&M by gram panchayats. Kurer has sought Rs 4.4 crore for repair and maintenance of the 188 units and expressed confidence that the issue can be resolved once funds are sanctioned.
Regional Patterns and Urgent Needs
The data reflects a broader regional pattern, with southern and coastal districts performing better, while northern districts, grappling with groundwater contamination and harsher climatic conditions, face higher breakdown rates. As summer intensifies and rural water demand rises, officials stress that urgent repairs and a need-based funding model are critical to preventing further slippages.
Government Response and Directions
RDPR minister Priyank Kharge recently reviewed the situation and issued directions to address the matter. He stated that pure water units requiring repairs must be taken up on priority this year. Highlighting systemic issues, he noted that many units have dried up because of a lack of water sources and poor accountability in maintenance. Kharge directed officials to examine the feasibility of repairs, prepare a detailed blueprint, and submit realistic assessments before taking up restoration work.
Summary of Key District Data
- Chitradurga: 1,056 RO plants, 772 functional, 284 under repair, Rs 46 lakh disbursed.
- Koppal: 674 RO plants, 393 functional, 281 under repair, Rs 140 lakh disbursed.
- Vijayapura: 846 RO plants, 596 functional, 250 under repair, Rs 10 lakh disbursed.
- Kalaburagi: 510 RO plants, 272 functional, 238 under repair, Rs 179 lakh disbursed.
- Yadgir: 471 RO plants, 252 functional, 219 under repair, Rs 123.5 lakh disbursed.
- Bidar: 391 RO plants, 191 functional, 200 under repair, Rs 6 lakh disbursed.
- Gadag: 439 RO plants, 246 functional, 193 under repair, Rs 62 lakh disbursed.
- Bagalkot: 780 RO plants, 592 functional, 188 under repair, Rs 55 lakh disbursed.
- Dharwad: 467 RO plants, 317 functional, 150 under repair, Rs 48 lakh disbursed.
Source: RDPR department
