Dharwad: After a detailed survey, the district administration has identified 78 villages in the district as areas prone to water scarcity during summer months. Thus, Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu GRJ has instructed tahsildars and Taluk Panchayat officials to take precautionary measures to address water scarcity.
Chairing a meeting of officials in Dharwad on Monday, to review the preparedness for tackling the drinking water and fodder problem that may arise during the summer, she asked all taluk panchayat offices and urban local bodies to set up helplines to register complaints regarding any shortage of drinking water and fodder supply.
During the summer months of March, April, and May, a total of 30 villages in Dharwad taluk, four villages in Alnavar taluk, 19 villages in Hubballi taluk, 16 villages in Kalghatgi taluk, and nine villages in Kundagol taluk have been identified as areas which may experience water crisis.
The assessment shows that 29 villages in March, 26 in April, and 23 in May are likely to experience a water shortage. To address this, private borewells have been identified as an alternative source. However, currently no village in the district require tanker water supply, Divya clarified.
In Noolvi village of Hubballi taluk, drinking water is being supplied to some wards through a private borewell. To ensure emergency drinking water supply in the 78 identified villages, a total of 162 private borewells have been identified, and agreements have been signed with borewell owners. Officials have been instructed to monitor drinking water availability and take necessary steps to prevent inconvenience to the public.
Fodder availability
The district currently has sufficient fodder stock to meet requirements. Proper arrangements must be made to store and distribute it efficiently based on demand, the DC said.
The district has 2,33,461 cattle (cows and buffaloes) and 1,53,938 sheep and goats. Additionally, 3,84,872 tonne of fodder is available, which is sufficient for the next 37 weeks. The fodder should be supplied as per the demand of farmers and agricultural workers, ensuring that their livestock is well-fed, the DC added.
Divya instructed the Urban and Rural Drinking Water Supply Department to ensure that drinking water is clean and free from contamination. Since summer increases the risk of waterborne diseases, officials must take appropriate precautionary measures to prevent health issues among the public.
Reservoirs filled
In Navalgund, Annigeri, Hubballi, and Kundagol taluks, drinking water reservoirs have been filled with Malaprabha canal water. A total of 60 reservoirs have been refilled, including 37 in Navalgund, 13 in Annigeri, 7 in Hubballi, and 3 in Kundagol taluk. Out of these, 10 reservoirs will be used in April, and 50 in May.
Municipal corporations and all town panchayats and city councils have been instructed to take precautionary measures to prevent water shortages and to respond immediately to public complaints.
Heatwave precautions
The Meteorological Department has issued an alert about rising temperature in the coming days. The district administration will create awareness to encourage people to take safety precautions against heatwaves.
ZP CEO Bhuvanesh Patil also spoke.