Construction activities in and around Belgaum city have been adversely affected by the ongoing water scarcity, which has persisted for 90 days, as per authorities. The local authorities have advised the residents to utilize water sparingly, considering the rapid decline in reservoir levels. Additionally, the regular supply of water has been postponed.
The Rakaskop reservoir is now exclusively allocated for supplying water to Belgaum city, with no other allocations permitted. As temperatures rise and groundwater levels decline, the demand for government-provided tanker water is increasing daily. Numerous buildings are under construction or undergoing renovation, many of which have halted work due to water scarcity. Engineers and construction firms are working diligently to meet deadlines and ensure timely project completion, despite facing additional costs for procuring tanker water.
Shridhar, a building contractor from Nehru Nagar, mentioned that construction projects are only permitted to use borewells or tankers as water sources. Currently, only projects equipped with their own borewells are able to proceed with work. However, even borewell water is inadequate due to declining groundwater levels. Consequently, there is a surge in demand for tankers, forcing everyone to rely heavily on them for water supply.
Builders in Shahapur, Tilakwadi, reported that they initiated a project in June 2023, but since February, they have been facing a severe water shortage. They noted that the price of a 5,000-liter tanker, which previously ranged from Rs 800 to Rs 900, has now increased to Rs 1,500. Consequently, construction progress has been impeded, and completion timelines for the building will be further delayed. BCC officials stated that water board authorities have been directed to cease supplying tanker water for construction purposes until reservoir levels recover.
NR Latur, the head of the unorganized construction laborers’ association, stated that the ongoing drought conditions have posed challenges not only for farmers but also for individuals working in the construction industry.
