MLA Laxman Savadi Proposes 1,000 Injection Borewells to Combat Water Scarcity in Athani
In a significant move to address acute water shortages, MLA Laxman Savadi has proposed the establishment of 1,000 injection borewells across 18 villages in the Athani segment of Belagavi district. This ambitious project, developed in collaboration with the Minor Irrigation Department, aims to substantially boost groundwater recharge in a region plagued by erratic rainfall and depleting water tables.
Project Details and Strategic Implementation
The core objective of this initiative is to inject approximately 1 TMC ft of water into underground aquifers. This will be achieved by capturing and filtering water from multiple sources, including canals, rainwater, and surface run-off, and then channeling it deep underground. The injection borewells are designed to serve a dual purpose: rejuvenating dried borewells and improving overall water quality while curbing soil erosion.
The eastern part of Athani taluk faces severe water scarcity, with rainfall being particularly scarce. Even borewells drilled to depths of 700–800 feet often yield limited water, which frequently dries up during the peak summer months. To combat this, the department has formulated a comprehensive plan to construct these 1,000 water-recharge borewells. The process involves piping water from canals and ditches, filtering it thoroughly, and injecting it into identified dry aquifer zones at depths of around 800 feet.
Villages to Benefit and Broader Impact
This scheme is set to benefit 18 villages, including Aigali, Kohalli, Adahalli, Adahashetti, Kakamadi, and Yankachchi. These communities largely depend on borewells for their water supply, making the project crucial for their sustainability. Additionally, the proposal includes recharging canal water from the Ammajeshwari and Halyal lift irrigation projects, further enhancing the water availability in the region.
MLA Laxman Savadi highlighted that the project could recharge nearly 2 TMC of water over a four-month period. A formal proposal has been submitted to the state government, seeking necessary funds in the upcoming budget to kickstart this vital initiative.
Expert Insights and Long-Term Benefits
Praveen Patil, an engineer with the Minor Irrigation Department, emphasized the strategic timing of the project. He noted that recharging groundwater through injection borewells from late July to October would significantly raise water levels in surrounding areas. This proactive measure is expected to ensure a reliable borewell supply even during the harsh summer months, providing much-needed relief to the local population.
The injection borewell method not only addresses immediate water shortages but also promotes long-term environmental sustainability. By enhancing groundwater recharge, the project aims to create a more resilient water infrastructure, reducing dependency on erratic rainfall and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the region.
