Amidst the declining water levels in Belagavi’s Hidkal reservoir, local residents are pointing fingers at elected representatives, accusing them of pressuring the administration to prioritize water release for agricultural purposes, despite its initial allocation for drinking water supply.
With the monsoon season experiencing a significant delay, the Hidkal reservoir situated in Belagavi district is teetering on the edge of depletion, leaving a mere 4-tmcf (thousand million cubic feet) of water, as reported by informed sources. Designated as “dead storage water,” this remaining supply is intended solely for emergency purposes. The precarious situation has triggered concerns among approximately one million residents residing in two taluks of the district, as the reservoir serves as their primary source of water.
The local residents have voiced allegations against the elected representatives, claiming that they applied pressure on the administration to redirect water, originally allocated for drinking purposes, towards agricultural needs. The regional commissioner Gautam Bagadi, following his instructions, authorized the release of 2-tmcf of water in four phases into the canals of Ghataprabha river. This decision was aimed at supporting the ongoing kharif crop in Gokak and Mudalagi taluks. Unfortunately, this action has played a substantial role in exacerbating the critical condition of the reservoir.
Gokak’s BJP MLAs, Ramesh Jarkiholi and Balachandra Jarkiholi, who represent Gokak and Arabhavi constituencies respectively, appealed for the release of water designated for drinking purposes to address the pressing agricultural needs. Balachandra Jarkiholi defended this decision, citing the customary practice during March and April to release water for the Kharif crop, assuming the monsoon would arrive on schedule. He expressed concern that failure to release water on time would adversely impact standing crops across vast hectares of land. Additionally, he noted that the district had experienced an unprecedented delay in monsoon arrival after several years.
Constructed in 1977 in Hukkeri taluk, the Hidkal reservoir plays a crucial role in meeting the water needs of approximately 100,000 residents residing in Belagavi city, Hukkeri taluk, and Sankeshwar town.
SM Madiwale, the Assistant Executive Engineer of the Hidkal reservoir, explained the protocol followed after the completion of agricultural activities, where all water sources, including both small and large reservoirs, are handed over to the respective regional commissioners. Consequently, the responsibility of managing the Hidkal reservoir was entrusted to Belagavi RC Bagadi, who subsequently directed the release of water into the Ghataprabha canal to support agricultural requirements. Madiwale further stated that the remaining water in the reservoir is anticipated to last until July 10. Interestingly, due to the dwindling water levels, the Vithal Dev temple, which had remained submerged for the past decade, has become entirely visible once again.
The Markandeya river, meandering through Khanapur and Belagavi taluks, serves as the primary water source for the Hidkal reservoir. Alongside agricultural needs, the reservoir also supplies water to an additional 1.2 million residents residing across three taluks, including Belagavi city.
Annasaheb Hanchinmani, a former KPCC secretary hailing from Ghataprabha in Gokak taluk, expressed criticism towards the BJP legislators representing Gokak and Mudalagi constituencies for consistently misusing their constitutional powers. He voiced his concern that, succumbing to these instructions, officials often disregard established norms and release water accordingly.
In an effort to address the water scarcity issue, the Belagavi city corporation has taken proactive measures by preparing 12 open wells located in and around Belagavi for potential utilization during emergencies. Among these wells, the Congress road well in Tilakwadi holds historical significance as it was originally dug for the National Congress Convention in 1924 and witnessed the presence of Mahatma Gandhi. These wells, which became obsolete with the introduction of underground water connections, have been recently cleaned and recharged after a severe drought that occurred 15 years ago.
In order to address water scarcity, the city corporation has undertaken the task of cleaning and recharging open wells located in various areas such as Old Belagavi, Vadagavi, Anagol, Shahapur, Kelkar Bhag, Shetti galli, and Hutatma chowk. These wells, dug long before independence, had fallen into disuse once underground water connections were made available to households. However, recognizing their potential significance, the city corporation initiated the process of cleaning and recharging these wells approximately 15 years ago during a severe drought that affected the region.
Adding to the water crisis, the Rakaskop reservoir located in Belagavi taluk has now completely dried up. The remaining water in the reservoir, known as “dead storage,” is currently being rationed and supplied. However, reservoir operators anticipate that this limited supply will likely be depleted within a week.
Contrarily, Belagavi North Congress legislator Asif Sait has provided a different perspective, stating that the Rakaskop reservoir is receiving an equal amount of inflow and outflow due to rainfall in the southern regions of Maharashtra.
To address potential emergencies, Sait assures that the successfully demonstrated use of open well water can be relied upon. Additionally, the government has taken the initiative to dig 100 borewells in Sait’s constituency as a proactive measure to alleviate the water shortage. Sait reassures the public that there is no cause for concern if the arrival of rainfall is delayed.
