257 villages in Ch'nagar dist face drinking water crisis

The Zilla Panchayat has submitted an ` 5.07 crore proposal to the State government to take up drinking water schemes. The problem is quite severe in 137 villages which are in border areas.  The problem has been identified by the ZP Engineering Department and the government has already released Rs 1.6 crore to take up works.

Depleting table

The depleting water table at several villages in Chamarajanagar and Gundlupet taluk is one of the reasons for the current water crisis. The water level at bore wells in Harave, Santhemarahalli hobli limits has gone down considerably. The residents alleged gross negligence of elected representatives and officials in addressing this problem. The State government had earmarked  ` 100 crore to fill 18 lakes in the district in 2011-12 budget. However, due to negligence of the elected representatives, the lift irrigation project has been put on backburner.

In Somwarpet

Water supply once in three days, and that too only during the midnight, water tank that is in need of repair, construction of new water tank that is still pending... This is the picture of Somwarpet, coming under the limits of City Municipal Council in the taluk.

The population of Somwarpet is around 5,000 and irregular water supply coupled with summer is having a drastic impact on the residents.  Now, the only alternatives are the hand pumps. There are 14 pumps in the area, out of which three are defunct and the remaining pumps are also going dry.

In another side, India may have emerged as a global power in science and technology and posed a challenge to developed nations but still there are certain tribal settlements which do not have bore wells to drink potable water.

 This may sound strange. But it is a reality. A visit to tribal settlements at Biligiriranga Tiger Reserve shows the sufferings of these soligas to fetch a pot full of water. Though these tribal have been given title deed for their land. However, they are denied of basic amenities like drinking water, road, schools and others.

The main source of water for them is the pits nearby their hamlets and is dependent solely on the rain water. The situation is similar at Nellikadur, Kadalakindi, and Bisilukere hamlet. Summer is the worst period as the water dries up.

The tribal are forced to go in search of small streams and tanks that are situated away from their settlements. Apart from walking more than 10 km they even risk their lives coming face to face with wild animals as they too wander in search of water. Puranipodu hamlet with a population of more than 600 people, on way to Biligiriranga hills, has only two bore wells.