Water woes worsen as supply gaps trigger public anger

Hubballi: Public anger is mounting in Hubballi-Dharwad over the authorities' failure to streamline drinking water supply, with residents complaining of prolonged delays and lack of communication.At its general body meeting on Feb 10, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) assured residents of a drinking water supply once every three days by the end of March. However, in several wards, supply gaps have widened from five days to as much as 10 days. Agencies involved in water management, including the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (KUIDFC) and L&T, have also stopped issuing SMS alerts and press releases, leaving citizens without information.The grievance helpline (+91 79966 66247) has proved ineffective, with residents alleging that calls go unanswered and complaints remain unresolved. Residents of ward No.1 in Dharwad have recently approached KUIDFC officials to express their dissatisfaction. While officials cite recurring pipeline damage, citizens say the repeated disruptions have eroded trust and are pushing them towards protests.Venkatesh M, a resident of ward No. 8, said areas under the 24x7 water supply project have been hit the hardest. "Believing water would be available round the clock, we stopped storing. But supply is discontinued without notice. Sometimes pressure drops within hours. The helpline neither answers calls nor responds to complaints," he told TOI.Responding to the concerns, Savita Katigennavar, superintending engineer, KUIDFC, said heavy water pressure has led to frequent PVC pipe damage. "Stabilisation work is underway and the system will be streamlined in the next 15 to 20 days. Third-party damages to main pipelines caused by NHAI near Tarihal and by the PWD at the IT Park disrupted supply for 8–10 days," she said.Residents of Kumareshwar Nagar, including Santosh Devaraddi, Ullas Gunaga and Nadaf, who recently picketed the KUIDFC office, said water supply had reduced from once in five days to once in 8–10 days. "Despite repeatedly flagging the issue, officials have remained silent," they said.CM Kadkol, a retired principal from ward No. 37, said residents have been hearing assurances of improved water supply for over 17 years. "We received water on March 23. It was then delayed by eight days, and further missed without any intimation. Though an SMS was claimed to have been sent, none of us received it. What about tenants? Why was there no press release?" he questioned.Vijay Kunnur, a resident of Gandhi Nagar, Dharwad, said water supply timings have become erratic. "Though we are scheduled to get water once in five days, it often comes unscheduled—sometimes after two days, sometimes after six—forcing us to wait and disrupt our daily routines," he said.