Secretary Anjum Parvez, overseeing the district, has instructed all officers to take measures for sufficient water supply to every village and settlement in Belgaum district. During a meeting with officers on Wednesday, the secretary emphasized that officials at district, taluk, and village levels must address the situation seriously, given the government’s declaration of drought in all 15 taluks within the district. He cautioned that officials responsible would face accountability for water shortage in specific taluks or villages.
Anjum Parvez also said that there is a window of opportunity before the situation worsens. Officers must devise a comprehensive strategy to address water scarcity, prioritizing each village and town. Implementation of water supply projects should be integrated into the MGNREGA Scheme, ensuring eligible workers are consistently employed and receive regular wages. This approach aims to minimize migration driven by basic survival needs.
He urged urban development officials to accelerate the execution of the 24×7 water supply initiative in Belgaum city. Inspection of all open wells and borewells in the city is required, utilizing any source of potable water. Each water source should be numbered, documented, and undergo water quality testing. Mr. Parvez emphasized addressing repairs for those in need.
Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil mentioned that the State government has allocated ₹22.5 crore for drought relief efforts. However, he clarified that utilizing these funds for the construction of new borewells is prohibited. A total of 17,000 fodder kits will be distributed to farmers, with only 4,000 kits received so far. These kits will be provided to farmers with animals, he stated.
Joint Director of Agriculture Shivanagouda Patil reported a 78% deficit in rainfall and a crop coverage of only 38% in the district. While the recent rainfall might salvage existing crops, it won’t facilitate new sowings, he noted. In attendance were Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Harshal Boyer, Probationary Officer Shubham Shukla, Additional Deputy Commissioner Vijay Kumar Honkeri, Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Basavaraj Hegganayak, and others.
