Belagavi city has begun drawing water from the dead storage of the Rakaskop Dam after reservoir levels dropped significantly below last year’s figures, raising concerns over the city’s water security in the coming weeks.
To sustain the city’s drinking water supply, authorities have deployed two 35 HP pumps to extract water from the dead storage zone of the reservoir. Officials estimate that the available reserve can support water supply for only about 20 more days. If adequate rainfall is not received during this period, Belagavi could face a serious water shortage.
As of now, the water level in Rakaskop Dam stands at 2,448.90 feet, compared to 2,452.80 feet on the same date last year. While the city did not face any major water scarcity in 2025 and did not require the use of dead storage, the situation has changed considerably this year, forcing authorities to tap emergency reserves.
The Rakaskop reservoir has a storage capacity of 0.5 TMC and reaches full capacity at 2,477 feet. Normally, dead storage is accessed when the water level falls to 2,446 feet. Although the current level remains slightly above that mark, officials have been compelled to use pumps because obstructions are preventing water from flowing through the siphon system.
The dead storage reserve is expected to last until around July 7, making the next few weeks crucial. The onset and intensity of the monsoon will determine whether the city can avoid further restrictions on water supply.
The situation at Hidkal Dam, another key water source for the region, is also a cause for concern. Hidkal currently holds 7.413 TMC of water against 11.639 TMC during the corresponding period last year, reflecting a deficit of 4.226 TMC.
The declining storage levels in both reservoirs have already begun affecting water distribution across the city. Residents in several localities have reported irregular supply schedules, with some areas receiving water only once every eight days.
With reservoir levels continuing to remain low and monsoon inflows yet to significantly improve the situation, water management is expected to remain a major challenge for Belagavi in the coming weeks.