KUIDFC Vows to Restore Water Supply to Hubballi-Dharwad Amid Summer Crisis
The Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) has made a critical commitment to the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), promising to ensure drinking water is supplied once every three days by March 31. This assurance was delivered during a special general body meeting convened specifically to tackle the erratic and inadequate water distribution plaguing the twin cities.
Meeting Highlights Tensions and Technical Challenges
The session, held on Tuesday, was marked by visible frustration from BJP corporators, who initially demanded postponement due to the absence of KUIDFC chief engineers. After a brief adjournment, discussions proceeded, with KUIDFC superintending engineer Savita Katigennavar presenting a stark report. She revealed that while Hubballi-Dharwad has a daily supply capacity of 222 million liters per day (MLD) from two reservoirs, the actual demand soars to 245 MLD, creating a significant shortfall.
Katigennavar emphasized that concrete actions are being implemented to achieve the target of water supply every three days by the end of March. This pledge comes as a direct response to the escalating water crisis, exacerbated by the approaching summer season.
Corporators Voice Public Anger Over Contamination and Delays
During the heated exchanges, corporators launched sharp criticisms against KUIDFC and L&T company officials, accusing them of failing to address persistent drinking water problems. Many highlighted that residents are receiving water only once a week, a severe downgrade from the previous schedule of once every three days.
BJP corporator Tippanna Majjagi articulated the community's distress, stating, "Earlier, with a supply of 160 MLD, we received water once in three days. Now, despite increased capacity to 202 MLD, we are left with water just once a week. L&T operates as a profit-driven entity, not a service sector, prioritizing savings over public welfare."
Additionally, corporators like Mohammed Iqbal Navalur raised alarms about water contamination in Old Hubballi, urging authorities to ensure the provision of safe, high-quality drinking water to all residents.
Project Delays and Future Plans
Mayor Jyothi Patil provided context on the broader 24/7 drinking water project, noting that its completion date has been extended to 2027. She acknowledged that most infrastructure work, including pipeline installation and raw water sourcing from dams, is finished. However, the implementation has faced setbacks, primarily due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The meeting saw the presence of key officials, including HDMC commissioner Rudresh Gali and deputy mayor Santosh Chavan, underscoring the high-level attention being given to this urgent municipal issue.
As summer intensifies, the commitment from KUIDFC is seen as a crucial step toward alleviating the water scarcity that has deeply affected daily life in Hubballi-Dharwad, with residents eagerly awaiting the promised improvements by March 31.
