Water crisis likely to hit Kushalnagar

With a decline in the inflow of water to river Cauvery, villages situated on the banks of the river are likely to face water scarcity.

River Cauvery is the lifeline of Kodagu district. The decline in the water level will affect even cattle.

To mitigate the water crisis, the Water Board has started storing water by placing sandbags in the river. Also, water is being pumped to areas where bunds have been constructed.

According to residents of the river bank area, if the temperature continues to rise, they will face a water crisis.

The Water Board supplies water to Kushalnagar, Mullusoge, Gummanakolli areas with a population of 30,000 to 35,000. Based on the population, at least 40 lakh litres of water is required per day. At present, only 28 lakh litres of water is being supplied, said Water Board assistant engineer Anand.

There are two overhead tanks with a capacity to store 2.5 lakh litres each at the Water Board premises. The water is being supplied to different areas in Kushalnagar on alternate days. Mullusoge gets water once in three days.

Even the water-level in Harangi reservoir has come down. Several farmers on the banks of the river are illegally engaged in lifting water from the river, which has further aggravated the situation.