RAICHUR: : This summer, the district is finding little solace from the Tungabhadra river flowing through its south and the Krishna river in the north. As with most districts in the state, it is reeling under a severe drinking water crisis.
And with the failure of the monsoon, the crisis may become more acute than the previous years. The fast depleting groundwater level may only compound the problem.
Currently, Raichur city is getting water once in two days in areas where it is supplied from the Krishna river. But it is only once in three days in areas supplied from the Tungabhadra.
The situation is more severe in villages. Those on the banks of Krishna river are the worst affected. Even cattle have no water and fodder. According to Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) general secretary Amaranna Gudihal, the officials’ apathy has added to the woes.
Tahsildar Shivananda Sagar admitted that many villages are facing a drinking water crisis. In the coming three months, it would be more acute in several other villages. “If required, we will supply water through tankers,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil said the situation is likely to worsen in April. “We have directed the officials to tackle the water scarcity by sinking borewells and arranging tankers.”