90 villages in Dharwad district may face drinking water crisis this summer

(Pic for representation)Dharwad: As many as 90 villages across Dharwad district are likely to face a serious drinking water shortage during the peak summer months of March, April and May, said officials. The warning was issued during a review meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority chaired by deputy commissioner Snehal R.Officials said rising summer temperatures forecast by the India Meteorological Department are expected to worsen water availability, making advance planning critical. Along with drinking water, the administration is also preparing to prevent fodder shortages for livestock.Data presented by the rural drinking water supply department shows that the shortage is expected to affect multiple taluks — including Alnavar (four villages), Dharwad (30), Hubballi (19), Kundgol (nine), Kalaghatagi (16), Navalgund (7) and Annigeri (5). To tackle the crisis, authorities have already identified 186 private borewells and secured consent from owners to supply water on a rental basis if needed.Currently, emergency supply through rented borewells has already started in Hosatti, Mandihal and Managundi villages of Dharwad taluk and Noolvi village of Hubballi taluk, indicating early signs of stress on water resources.ZP officials said 60 tanks supplying water to 160 villages in Navalgund, Annigeri, Hubballi and Kundgol taluks are being monitored closely. Of these, 40 tanks have already been filled using canal water, while several others hold more than 75% capacity, offering temporary relief.Meanwhile, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation is working to regulate urban water supply across its wards to prevent wastage and maintain equitable distribution. HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali said that the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has 82 wards and of these, 13 wards receive 24-hour water supply under a continuous water scheme. Additionally, 25 wards receive water daily, eight wards once every three days, nine wards once every four days, eight wards once every five days, 12 wards once every six days, five wards once a week, and two wards once every eight days.District authorities have also stocked sufficient fodder to last nearly 28 weeks and are planning public awareness drives on water conservation, heat safety and disease prevention as temperatures are expected to range between 35°C and 40°C, particularly in April and May.Officials stressed that coordinated action across departments and early intervention will be key to ensuring that vulnerable villages do not face severe hardship in summer.