Belagavi’s aspiration for 24X7 water supply remains unfulfilled even 12 years after its approval in 2012. Only 10 of the city’s 58 wards currently benefit from the facility. Despite penalties of Rs 21 crore imposed on Larsen & Toubro (L&T) by the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) in 2023, progress has been sluggish.
The issue persists despite reservoirs being filled by abundant rainfall, leaving the entire district, including Belagavi city, grappling with drinking water shortages. Residents of 48 wards under BCC’s jurisdiction continue to demand round-the-clock water supply, with many areas receiving water only once every 7 to 12 days.
Localities such as Khasabagh, Om Nagar, Shahapur, Bhagya Nagar, Hindwadi, Hanuman Nagar, and Kuvempu Nagar are severely affected. Belagavi has around 74,000 tap connections, with 82 MLD of water sourced from the Hidkal reservoir and 35 MLD from the Rakaskop reservoir.
However, recent reports indicate some areas have been receiving water only once a week. According to Ravikumar, L&T’s water supply unit manager, a pipeline supplying water to Majagaon and nearby regions was damaged near the industrial zone, disrupting the supply until January 23. While the 24X7 water scheme has been implemented in 10 wards over the past 15 years, work in the remaining 48 wards, divided into 33 zones, may take another two years to complete. Mayor Savita Kamble has announced plans to hold a meeting to address the issue and provide necessary directives, as public frustration grows over the prolonged delay.
