Rakskop Reservoir Holds Enough Water for City for 100 Days

The Rakskop Reservoir has water storage to cater to the city’s needs for the next 101 days, according to recent updates from L&T. The company stated that by pumping 40 MLD of water daily, the city’s water requirements can be met by June 15. Additionally, it was noted that even with a reduced pumping rate of 35 MLD, the water supply could be sustained until July 15.

Belagavi Mayor Savita Kamble, Deputy Mayor Anand Chavan, Commissioner P. N. Lokesh, along with several corporators, convened a water supply review meeting at the Municipal Corporation. While the attendance was limited, the representation from the ruling group of corporators was significant. Various concerns were raised during the meeting, including inadequate water supply, water channel leakage, and other related issues.

Mayor Kamble directed both L&T and The Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board to address these concerns promptly to ensure smooth water supply to the city. The authorities faced a barrage of questions from corporators during this discussion.

Despite receiving below-average rainfall in the catchment area, with 2277 mm recorded in 2022 and only 1767 mm in 2023. Surprisingly, despite the lower rainfall, this year’s water storage in the reservoir is 2.30 feet higher compared to last year.

Since October, the city has been receiving a steady supply of 32 MLD of water daily from the Markandeya river bed, which has helped maintain the water level in Rakskop Reservoir. Anticipating potential water shortages, plans are in place to deploy water tankers to each ward of the city from April to July. Additionally, water is pumped from 68 open wells in the city, with measures in place to ensure regular pumping. Private wells will also be explored if necessary.

With 786 tube wells and 200 hand pumps available in the city, precautions have been taken to address any potential challenges in water supply.

Water is a precious resource essential for life, and its conservation is paramount. We urge everyone to use water wisely and avoid wastage, particularly when it comes to potable drinking water. Every drop saved contributes to the sustainable management of our water resources and ensures its availability for future generations. Let’s make conscious efforts to conserve water in our daily activities and promote its responsible use for a better, more sustainable world.