Threat of water scarcity looms large over Kushalnagar

The rainfall deficit and scorching sun have resulted in acute shortage of water in Kushalnagar situated on the banks of river Cauvery.

The decline in water level is an indication that peak summer months are likely to be more serious than anticipated, unless the district receives summer showers.

The water level in Cauvery river has decreased drastically. As a result, the cattle have also been facing acute shortage of water.

To supply water to Kushalnagar, the water board has placed sand bags in Cauvery river to store water for peak summer.

The water board supplies water to Kushalnagar, Mullusoge and Gummanakolli. The population in Kushalnagar, Mullusoge and Gummanakolli is around 30,000 to 35,000. There is a need for 40 lakh litres of water per day. But the board is able to supply only 28 lakh litres of water. There is a shortage of 12 lakh litre water, said water board assistant engineer Anand.

A few layouts in Kushalnagar get water once in two days while water is supplied to Mullusoge once in three days. The water board has constructed two overhead tanks with a capacity to store 2.5 lakh litres. With the increase in population, there is a need for two more overhead tanks, an official from the water board said.

Basaveshwaranagara in Kushalnagar faces severe water shortage during peak summer every year. Water from a borewell is used for supplying water to 250 families. With the depletion of ground water table, the residents are facing inconvenience, Basaveshwaranagara Layout Hitharakshana Samithi president Sudeep Kumar said.

The water board has submitted an action plan for Rs 15 crore to supply water from Harangi reservoir to Kushalnagar residents. If the government approves the project, then residents of Kushalnagar and surrounding villages will get a permanent solution to water crisis.

Kushalnagar town panchayat chief officer Sridhar said the civic body has taken measures to mitigate water crisis. The water board officials have been asked to ration water supply, he added.

Meanwhile, the farmers are struggling to save their crops as the water level is decreasing in Harangi reservoir.

The farmers on the banks of river have been lifting water for coffee plantations and ginger crop using pumpsets.