Dharwad officials instructed to make preparations for summer

Dharwad Deputy Commissioner Snehal R. has instructed officials to make all preparations to face possibilities of water and fodder scarcity this summer. Chairing the Dharwad District Disaster Management Authority meeting in Dharwad on Friday (March 13), she asked them to remain available locally and perform their duties effectively to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water or fodder during the summer season. They must also respond promptly to calls received on public helplines, she said.

Based on data and experiences from previous years, the authority had estimated that around 90 villages in the district may face drinking water shortage in March, April, and May as summer intensifies. As of now, drinking water is currently being supplied through eight private borewells on a rental basis in eight villages, officials said. The villages are Hosatti, Mandihal, Belur, and Mugad in Dharwad taluk, Noolvi and Adaragunchi in Hubballi taluk, Nelliharavi Tanda and B. Hulikatti in Kalaghatagi taluk.

Ms. Snehal also directed tahsildars and gram panchayat development officers to take precautionary measures to prevent drinking water shortages. “At present, no villages or towns in the district are facing severe drinking water problems, and there is sufficient stock of fodder for livestock,’’ she said.

Dharwad has 395 villages, of which 90 are considered vulnerable to water shortages during summer. As a precautionary measure, agreements have already been signed with owners of 186 private borewells to ensure water supply if required. Officials have been instructed to take immediate action whenever necessary.

The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to collect water samples from drinking water sources and distribution points to ensure the water is safe for consumption. Measures must be taken to prevent the supply of contaminated water, she said. “The Health Department should also create awareness and take preventive measures to ensure that water-borne diseases or other infections do not spread,’’ she added.

Since water demand usually increases during summer, sufficient storage has been ensured in all drinking water tanks. “Authorities must ensure these tanks are not contaminated and that the water is not used for agriculture or other activities. Special attention should also be given to ensure that animals and birds do not face water shortage, and water bowls or small tanks should be placed in public areas,’’ she said.

Dharwad Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhuvanesh Patil said that no drinking water shortage has been reported in rural areas of Dharwad district so far. “All drinking water tanks in Kundgol, Navalgund, Annigeri and Hubballi taluks have been filled. Desilting work has begun in one tank in Navalgund taluk, and arrangements have been made to supply water through two private borewells if required,’’ he explained.

To help the public report issues related to drinking water, fodder for livestock, or disaster-related problems, helplines have been established, with staff deployed to respond to complaints. “Gram panchayat development officers have been instructed to remain available locally and respond promptly to public grievances and report to the zilla panchayat,’’ he said.

Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Rudresh Ghali, probationary IAS officer Ritika Verma, and Additional Deputy Commissioner Geeta C.D. were present.