Fresh Water Diversion Plan Sparks Outrage in Belagavi District
The Karnataka government's recent announcement to divert additional water from the Renuka Sagar reservoir to Hubballi-Dharwad has ignited a fresh controversy in Belagavi district, adding to existing tensions over water allocation in the region.
Government Announces Additional Water Supply to Hubballi-Dharwad
Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh revealed on Friday that the Hubballi-Dharwad City Corporation will receive an extra 43 million litres per day (MLD) of water from the Renuka Sagar reservoir on the Malaprabha River. Currently, the twin cities receive 245 MLD daily, with 220 MLD sourced from Renuka Sagar in Savadatti and 25 MLD from Neerasagar.
The minister cited increasing water needs as the rationale behind this decision. The implementation plan includes establishing a new water purification plant at Amminbhavi under the Karnataka Urban Development and Coastal Environment Management Plan (KUDCEMP), which receives funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Four Taluks Voice Strong Opposition to Water Diversion
The announcement has triggered immediate backlash from residents and activists in Belagavi district, particularly affecting Khanapur, Kittur, Bailhongal, and Savadatti taluks. These regions depend heavily on the Renuka Sagar reservoir and the broader Malaprabha basin for both irrigation and drinking water, and have been grappling with persistent water shortages for years.
Social activist Rajeev Topannavar expressed strong criticism of the government's unilateral decision, emphasizing that it was made without consulting all relevant stakeholders. "Malaprabha serves as a lifeline for Khanapur, Kittur, Bailhongal, and Savadatti. While the government proceeds with pumping water to Hubballi-Dharwad, residents of these four taluks are left to depend on water tankers," he stated.
Local Representatives Face Scrutiny Amid Growing Controversy
The role of Belagavi district's local representatives, including MP Jagadish Shettar, has come under intense questioning following the announcement. However, these political figures have maintained a noticeable silence on the matter, adding to public frustration.
This new dispute emerges against the backdrop of an unresolved controversy from six months ago, when several organizations vehemently opposed the government's plan to divert 45 MLD of water from the Hidkal dam to the Hubballi-Dharwad industrial area through a pipeline. With that issue still fresh in public memory, the decision to divert water from Renuka Sagar reservoir has reignited tensions and highlighted ongoing challenges in water resource management in Karnataka.
The situation underscores the complex balancing act between urban development needs and rural water security, with communities in Belagavi district expressing fears that their already precarious water situation will deteriorate further with this new diversion plan.
