With temperatures soaring to 39°C, declining river levels, receding Almatti backwaters and falling groundwater have pushed 114 villages in Bagalkot district to the brink of a severe drinking water crisis through April and May
Bagalkot: A severe water crisis is rapidly unfolding in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district, where soaring temperatures and sharply declining water reserves have triggered fears of widespread drinking water shortages in 114 villages over the next several weeks. With the mercury touching 39 degrees Celsius, anxiety is mounting among residents as the district braces for one of its most challenging summer spells in recent years.
Rivers Drying Up, Groundwater Levels Drop Alarmingly
The district’s major lifeline rivers, the Krishna, Malaprabha, and Ghataprabha, are witnessing a sharp fall in water levels, raising serious concerns among both authorities and local communities. The prolonged dry spell and rising heat have significantly reduced the availability of surface water, while groundwater tables have also plunged, worsening the crisis in rural pockets.
The twin pressure of shrinking river flow and depleted borewell reserves has left several villages increasingly dependent on emergency water arrangements and private sources.
Almatti Backwaters Recede, Ecological Stress Intensifies
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the backwaters of the Almatti Dam have receded substantially, exposing large stretches of dry riverbeds and cracked land surfaces. The environmental impact is becoming visible, with livestock, birds and local biodiversity struggling for access to water.
Reports from affected areas suggest that muddy, stagnant pools are the only remaining sources in some belts, barely sustaining animals and surrounding ecosystems.
“Measures have been taken to ensure that the drinking water problem does not become serious. The public should use water economically,” Deputy Commissioner Sangappa said.
114 Villages on High Alert Across April and May
District officials have placed 114 villages on the water scarcity alert list, of which 52 villages are expected to face acute shortage in April, while another 62 villages may be affected in May if conditions do not improve.
The district administration has already begun preventive interventions, including review meetings, field assessments and emergency supply planning, to contain the situation before it escalates further.
Emergency Water Release and Borewell Supply Underway
In response to the looming crisis, authorities have intensified mitigation measures. Water is already being supplied through private borewells in vulnerable regions such as Ilakal taluk.
As part of immediate relief, the administration released 1.10 TMC of water into the Ghataprabha River on April 2 and 1 TMC into the Malaprabha River on April 10 to support downstream drinking water needs.
Residents Demand Additional Water Release
Despite these steps, public concern remains high. Residents in several villages have voiced dissatisfaction over inadequate lake replenishment and fast-falling groundwater levels, demanding additional water release from neighbouring Maharashtra reservoirs to stabilise the supply.
With the heatwave expected to persist, the coming weeks will be crucial for Bagalkot’s water resource management, rural supply network and environmental sustainability.
